Benefits, aid, salary, schools… Everything you need to know about work-study

Work-study training is the ideal way to train, while quickly increasing your skills. Many students choose to turn to this training. Salaries, advantages, disadvantages, overview of the work-study program! You will also know more about the schools that offer work-study programs and in what format.

The work-study program has countless good points to its credit: attractive remuneration, employability, skills development, etc. Today it appeals to a very large and varied audience who have a very specific objective in mind: to combine theory with practice and equip themselves with essential know-how which forms a real plus on the CV.

This type of training has been very successful for several years in France and its image has evolved enormously in the professional world. And for good reason! It offers a large number of advantages. This training, which takes the form of an apprenticeship or professionalization contract, contributes to the employability of young people in the job market, which has been very competitive in recent years.

Types of work-study contracts

The work-study program is available in two types of contracts, which have the same objective: to train students and help them quickly improve their skills.

• The apprenticeship contract is aimed at young people aged 16 to 29 and can last from 6 months to 4 years. The minimum number of training hours per year is 400 hours. Remuneration varies between 27% and 100% of the minimum wage, depending on age and level of education.
• The professionalization contract concerns young people aged 16 to 26, but also job seekers, regardless of their age. It lasts from 6 to 12 months, or even 24 months in certain particular sectors. This type of contract can be signed on a CDD or CDI basis. The minimum number of training hours per year is 150 hours. Remuneration varies between 55% to 100% of the minimum wage.

Salaries offered on a work-study basis in 2024

As part of a work-study contract, salary may fluctuate. It is determined on the basis of the minimum monthly growth wage (SMIC). For 2024, the gross hourly minimum wage amounts to €1,747.20 per month for a working period of 35 hours per week.

If you are considering work-study training or if you are already in an apprenticeship, it is crucial to note that the remuneration depends on your age and your year of study. A notable advantage of apprenticeship is the exemption from social charges, which means that your gross salary matches your net salary.

The work-study salary for a student on an apprenticeship contract

The salary of a student on a professionalization contract

Please note, it is important to note that a “ basic pay applies to holders of a non-professional title or diploma baccalaureate level or a professional title or diploma below the baccalaureate. She is increased if the young person is a holder a professional title or diploma equal to or higher than baccalaureate level”, as specified on the government website.

What aid is available in 2024 for work-study students?

Work-study status gives you access to a large number of financial advantages.

• National apprentice card. Thanks to this card, which you can collect from your school administration, you will be able to benefit from a large number of cultural or sporting activities, at a low price.
• Personalized housing assistance. Work-study students are entitled to personalized housing assistance (APL). This is the CIF (family allowance fund) which is responsible for paying this assistance. Many criteria come into play before this aid is allocated. Income and professional situation also contribute to determining assistance. To obtain this assistance, simply go to the CAF website and complete the file on status and income. The entire procedure can be done online.
• Mobile assistance for young people. In addition to the APL, the State pays youth housing assistance. It can range from 10 euros to 100 euros per month. The criteria taken into account for the payment of this aid are: salary, rent, the amount of APL or ASL. It concerns work-study students in non-agricultural private companies.
• “Departure 18-25 year olds” program to go on vacation. L’ANCV (National Agency for Holiday Vouchers) offers assistance 200 euros for work-study students to go on vacation. If you book your trip with a partner of the organization, you are entitled to a reduction on the final amount.

Work-study: Hiring assistance dedicated to businesses

As part of the “Young Work-study” plan, the State provides exceptional aid for the recruitment of apprentices, for all contracts concluded between 1^er January 2023 and December 31, 2023. This exceptional aid aims to facilitate the entry into professional life of young people particularly affected by the consequences of the health crisis.

The hiring bonus amounts to 6 000€ maximum, it is granted to employers who recruit work-study students (apprentices and young people on professionalization contracts).

The advantages of work-study

A diversified offer open to all courses

Work-study courses are intended for students of all courses, from the Bachelor to the Master, including the DUT or even the professional license. She does not neglect any level of studies. Business and engineering schools are also becoming more and more open to this training.

Improve your skills and gain employability

Work-study training is the best way to quickly and efficiently increase your skills. It offers a real immersion into the world of work. Although the student is in school, he spends much more time in the workplace. The most common schedule is what we call 3 weeks-1 week: one week of classes, three weeks in the company. However, it may vary depending on the training organizations.

The work-study student is trained in the company by a manager who monitors his progress and does not hesitate to support and advise him. His independence is often remarkable.

Put your theoretical skills into practice

One of the most important advantages of the work-study program is the fact of being able to train concretely in the field with professionals specialized in their field.

Continue your learning while being paid

Diploma or certification courses often represent a significant expense for students or their parents. Work-study offers a solution to this financial constraint. Indeed, one of the main advantages of work-study is that it allows you to finance your studies as well as your daily expenses (rent, shopping, travel, leisure) thanks to remuneration. This varies depending on the type of contract (apprenticeship or professionalization), the level of study and the age of the work-study student. Being able to train while receiving a salary is a real relief and a stress reduction factor for work-study students, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their missions in the company and to the courses taken at school or in a training center. .

No tuition fees to pay

Work-study training is fully covered by the host company for the duration of the contract, which can last from 12 to 24 months. The company’s objective is to train the apprentice to potentially keep him on a permanent contract, if both parties get along well. Thus, this type of training can allow you to integrate the best management schools, without worrying about this obstacle.

Benefit from the advantages of employee status

The work-study student benefits from a large number of advantages. Beyond the fact that he receives a salary, this status can lead to certain advantages, such as exceptional bonuses, restaurant vouchers, participation in transport costs, etc. In addition, the work-study student is entitled to 5 weeks of paid leave.

Being an apprentice thus allows the student to benefit from all the advantages of an employee, without paying the high price for its disadvantages, their gross salary corresponds in fact to their net, within the framework of a contract learning. He is also a beneficiary of student status, which means he benefits from a large number of benefits.

Get out of the student routine

Being on a work-study program will allow you to get out of your routine and interact with different people depending on your pace. Your daily life will not be the same. You will indeed meet new people and you will have the opportunity to develop your network considerably.

Business schools offering work-study courses

It is important to note that this table only takes into account the work-study program provided within the Grande École Program of business schools.