Summary of the Article: French Apprenticeship System – Growth, Cost, and Shifts
This article details the important changes and current state of the French apprenticeship system (CFA). Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. Dramatic Growth:
* As the 2018 reform, France has seen a massive increase in apprenticeship contracts – from 306,000 in 2017 to 879,000 in 2024 (an almost 187% increase).
* This has resulted in over a million apprentices under contract at the end of 2024.
* This growth is attributed to: liberalization of training providers, relaxed contract regulations, and ample state aid for employers.
2.Rising Public Cost:
* The expansion has led to a tripling of public spending on apprenticeships, reaching around 15 billion euros in 2023.
* This equates to 14,700 euros per apprentice, significantly higher than support levels in countries like Germany.
* Adjustments to financial support are planned for 2025 to address budgetary concerns and ensure sustainability.
3. Shifting Demographics & Sectors:
* Apprenticeship is increasingly popular among higher education students, rather than those from secondary education.
* The service sector is becoming the dominant employer for apprentices, reflecting a shift towards skills needed in the tertiary economy.
4. Strong Employment Integration (Especially for Lower Qualifications):
* Apprenticeship generally leads to better employment outcomes than traditional schooling, particularly for those obtaining shorter qualifications (CAP, professional baccalaureate).
* At the CAP level, 63% of apprentices were employed 18 months after training, compared to onyl 36% of traditionally schooled students – more than double the integration rate.
* The integration advantage diminishes as the qualification level increases, becoming less pronounced at the Master’s level.
In essence, the article portrays a French apprenticeship system that has been intentionally expanded with significant public investment, resulting in notable growth and a shift in its focus. While highly effective for integrating those with shorter qualifications into the workforce, the system’s financial sustainability is now a key concern, prompting planned adjustments.