An apprenticeship is similar to a sandwich course and is available to young people aged between 16-29. It combines a period of study with on-the-job training.

Under the guidance of an apprenticeship supervisor, apprentices discover the world of work and acquire the key skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future career. At the training centre, apprentices follow a general curriculum enhanced by on-the-job training.

An apprenticeship is a way for young people to acquire skills, a qualification, and get paid work experience while simultaneously developing their employability and boosting their career prospects.

The ICN BUSINESS SCHOOL apprentice training centre is located on the Nancy and Paris campuses, and currently offers apprenticeships in 4 fields:

• Finance.
• Marketing.
• Management.
• Business Development.

These fields of expertise are accessible through specialisations as part of the Grande Ecole programme (Master's level programme):

• Banking and Financial Services
• Business Finance
• Marketing and Business Engineering
• Human Resources Management
• Digital Management
• Cultural & Creative Industries Management
• Luxury & Design Management
• Supply Chain Management and Procurement

Students split their time between studying at the apprentice training centre (1 week) and working at a company (3 weeks).

At the ICN BUSINESS SCHOOL apprentice training centre, apprentices benefit from special resources and are closely guided by a dedicated team of teaching and administrative staff.

Our Careers and Internship service actively helps prospective apprentices find a host company: 1-2-1 coaching, workshops, virtual and face-to-face business forums, job dating, and latest opportunities posted at the school's career centre, etc.

Apprenticeships can be offered at all businesses in the private sector, including non-profit organisations, provided they have implemented the required measures to take on an apprentice.

Employers must give assurances that the business's equipment, techniques, working conditions, health and safety standards, and the professional and teaching skills of the apprenticeship supervisor are suitable to ensure satisfactory training.

Public institutions may under certain circumstances take on apprentices.

Apprenticeships are both a catalyst for learning and a career accelerator. Here are a few examples of the benefits of doing an apprenticeship:

For the business:

• Training in the company’s methods

• A way to pass on knowledge and expertise about the business and, if necessary, a way to prepare for the future
• A way to recruit new employees
• The business may be eligible for additional payments and funding

For the apprentice:
• The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge
• Free training
• An employment contract and the opportunity to earn money while you train
• Makes it easier to enter the job market

It is a special type of employment contract. The employer agrees to pass on professional skills and knowledge to an apprentice and pay them a salary. In return, the apprentice has to work at the company and undergo additional training at an apprentice training centre. Contracts last from 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of qualification. The duration can be adjusted depending on the initial skills of the apprentice . The duration of the contract can be extended by up to a year in certain circumstances.

Yes, the public sector takes on apprentices under the same conditions as the private sector.

In the public sector, the minimum apprenticeship wage is higher than in the private sector.

The increase in minimum wage is 20% if the apprentice is working towards a level III qualification (BTS, DUT, DEUST). The 20% increase is not a requirement for level I and II qualifications (Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, etc.).

You can sign an apprenticeship contract with a public or private sector business that is a legal entity in France.

People with a disability can do an apprenticeship to obtain a professional qualification. The apprenticeship takes place at a company and a training centre, and reasonable adjustments must be made to accommodate people with a disability.

To inform us about your disability and/or to get more information, you can contact our disability advisor, Madeleine OSTROWSKI.

Yes, the pay you receive from your employer is calculated according to your age, level of study and the length of your contract.
The amount you receive is based on a percentage of the minimum wage.

Studying at the training centre counts as working time, meaning your pay is not calculated on a pro rata basis.

Once you’ve enrolled on the programme, the Careers and Internship service will help you find a host company:

You can visit the ICN Career Centre to discover all available apprenticeship opportunities, to see a list of companies who have taken on ICN apprentices over the years, and to get advice and information to help you with the application process. You will also find a variety of business events and webinars aimed at improving your employability:

• A chance to meet recruiters every year as part of virtual or in-person ICN recruitment forums

• Employability workshops covering a range of topics: writing a CV and covering letter, interview preparation, networking, looking for a job, negotiating a salary, etc.

• Support that is tailored to your needs

An apprenticeship contract is a specific feature of French labour law, and the host company must be registered in France and have a valid business registration (SIRET) number.

Yes, you don’t need to be a French national to do an apprenticeship and there is no separate procedure for EU and Swiss nationals.

Apprenticeships are open to applicants from other countries but there are specific guidelines for non-EU nationals; whether you can do an apprenticeship depends on your administrative situation. If you are from a country outside the EU, you must have completed a year of study in France as part of a formal education programme before you can secure an apprenticeship and obtain the necessary work permit from the Regional Directorate for Enterprise, Competition, Consumption and Employment.

You will no longer be eligible for any higher education grants or student finance.

You will, however, be eligible for financial support from the apprentice training centre or ACTION LOGEMENT (for housing costs) during your apprenticeship.
Contact your apprenticeship service for more information

Some host companies even cover certain expenses (e.g. food, transportation).

No, training costs are covered by the host company via its Skills Operator (OPCO) throughout your apprenticeship contract.

However, if you haven’t signed an apprenticeship contract before the legally specified deadline (28 February for the 2020-21 academic year), you will revert to student status and will have to pay tuition fees on a pro rata basis for the remaining period of study.

No, you will be entitled to 5 weeks paid leave like any other employee.
Paid leave is taken with the approval of your apprenticeship supervisor and outside periods spent working at the host company.

Like any other employee, you’ll come under the general social security scheme.
You’ll be covered for illness, old age, and occupational accidents, including during your time spent at the training centre.

Once your apprenticeship contract has been signed, you must inform the CPAM of your change in status: www.ameli.fr.

The money you receive as an apprentice is tax free as long as it is below the annual minimum wage.

If you go over this limit, tax only needs to be paid on the amount above the threshold and you must declare this by filling in an income declaration form.

If you are hired during the course of the year, which is often the case, the limit is calculated on a pro rata basis, taking into account the time you have spent as an apprentice. The same rule applies if you finish an apprenticeship during the course of the year.