More and more companies are choosing work-study programs. In 2021, 718,000 apprenticeship contracts were signed — double the number in 2018. A real strategic move, work-study programs help businesses handle increased workloads, train future employees, and project a positive, attractive employer brand. As a real springboard to employment, here are 7 tips to help you successfully recruit work-study talent. Bonus: everything you need to know about the cost of such contracts.

#1 Understand the Specifics of Work-Study Programs

Work-study is a training system based on alternating practical and theoretical learning phases, designed to help the student build professional skills.

Work-study students are hired under specific contracts known as alternance contracts. There are two types:

• Apprenticeship contract

• Professionalization contract

The apprenticeship contract is part of initial education, while the professionalization contract is part of continuing education.

Good to know: Both contracts are governed by the French Labor Code — Articles L6221-1+ for apprenticeships and L6325-1+ for professionalization contracts.

Apprenticeship Contract

This allows the student to earn a national diploma (e.g. CAP, Baccalauréat, BTS, Bachelor’s, Master’s) or a professional certification listed in the RNCP (National Directory of Professional Certifications).

Employers in craft, trade, industry, agriculture, associations, liberal professions, and public sectors (non-industrial and non-commercial) are eligible to hire apprentices.

Target audience: young people aged 16 to 29, and exceptionally up to 34 if pursuing a higher-level diploma than previously obtained.

Professionalization Contract

This also allows the student to obtain diplomas and certifications like those in the apprenticeship route, but also:

• Professional Qualification Certificates (CQP)
• Qualifications recognized in national collective bargaining agreements
• It’s open to employers who contribute to continuing professional training, excluding public-sector employers.

Target audience: youth aged 16–25, job seekers aged 26+, and beneficiaries of RSA, ASS, AAH, or subsidized employment contracts.

Is There a Difference Between an Employee and a Work-Study Student?

Work-study students are full-fledged employees. As such, they are subject to the same laws, regulations, and collective agreements as any other employee.

However, their presence is not full-time. Their schedule alternates between school and work, which requires good coordination on both sides.

#2 Choosing the right work-study contract

There are several reasons for recruiting a work-study student:

• To cope with high turnover within the company.
• To cope with an increase in activity.
• Transfer know-how within the company.
• Passing on corporate values and culture.
• Secure recruitment.

Depending on the company's needs, an apprenticeship or professionalization contract may be more appropriate than the other. This choice is all the more important given the different obligations it entails for the company.

#3 Define the Future Work-Study Student’s Tasks

Clearly define the missions you want the student to accomplish — they should be aligned with both your company’s needs and the student’s training program.

Doing this beforehand gives you a clearer idea of the ideal profile and helps you screen candidates more effectively.

Tip: Create a job description at this stage.

#4 Write an Appealing Work-Study Offer

To attract the right candidate, your HR team or team lead must draft a detailed offer that answers all likely questions:

• Job title,
• Required qualifications,
• Task descriptions,
• Expected skills,
• Location,
• Salary,
• Benefits,
• Hiring process.

Tip: Highlight appealing benefits (meal vouchers, gym access, additional time off, etc.).

#5 Post the Offer on Visible Channels

Nowadays, most job postings are published online — including work-study roles.

Universities and schools are great places to find work-study candidates. Contact institutions in your area.

EDC Paris Business School welcomes hundreds of students each year in business-focused work-study programs. The school offers:

• Masters of Science (M.Sc In): Specialized 5-year programs in areas like finance, digital marketing, innovation, business development, and more. Students follow the professionalization track.
• Grande École Program: Also a 5-year degree, this pathway prepares future leaders in digital transformation and entrepreneurship. Students alternate 3 weeks in-company with 1 week in class under an apprenticeship contract.

The EDC Corporate Relations Department also hosts regular recruitment events so companies can connect with students seeking work-study placements.

Tip: Post your work-study offers on EDC’s intranet to maximize visibility.

Good to know: You can also post on general job boards (e.g., RégionJob, Welcome to the Jungle) and professional networks (LinkedIn).

#6 Conduct a Recruitment Interview

The recruitment process is similar whether you’re hiring a permanent employee or a work-study student. The interview should help you spot the right talent and confirm the fit.

Standard interview questions are entirely appropriate.

#7 Prepare for Hiring the Selected Student

Hiring terms depend on the type of contract:

Apprenticeship Contract

Must be in writing, with a fixed term (6 months to 3 years) or permanent.

Use Cerfa form n°10103. It must include:

• Employer name
• Company headcount
• Diploma/certification being prepared
• Yearly salary schedule
• Name, birthdate of apprenticeship supervisor
• Employer statement on supervisor’s qualifications
• Terms for deducting in-kind benefits

The contract must be submitted to the OPCO (skills operator) within 5 business days after the internship begins.

Professionalization Contract

Also must be in writing, with a fixed-term or permanent format.

Use Cerfa form n°12434, including:

• Name of the tutor
• Contract type (CDD/CDI)
• Job title
• Working hours
• Salary
• Planned training actions
• Submit to the OPCO within 5 days of signing.

Good to know: If signed as a permanent contract, the work-study phase is followed by a regular open-ended employment period.

How Much Does a Work-Study Hire Cost?

Like any employee, a work-study hire incurs employer charges and wages. The French government provides a salary simulator to help you estimate the cost.

Work-Study Student Compensation

Wages are mandatory and vary by contract:

• Apprenticeship: Salary is a percentage of the minimum wage (27%–100%), depending on age and years in the program.
• Professionalization: Salary is indexed on the minimum wage (SMIC), from €880 to €1,300 gross/month, depending on age and qualifications.

Good to know: Collective agreements may provide for higher compensation.

Financial Aid for Employers

There are three main aids available:

Standard Apprenticeship Aid: For companies with over 250 employees. Applies to contracts signed between Jan 2019–June 2020 or from July 2022 onward. Paid annually for 3–4 years:

• Year 1: €4,125
• Year 2: €2,000
• Year 3 & 4: €1,200

Exceptional Aid for Apprenticeships & Professionalization: For contracts signed between July 2020 and June 2022, for all businesses up to Master’s level.

New Aid for Long-Term Unemployed: For contracts signed between Nov 2021 and Dec 2022, regardless of age.

The two last aids range from €2,000 to €8,000 and are automatic — no application is needed. They’re triggered when the contract is submitted via the Cerfa form.