REFORM OF APPRENTICESHIPS FROM JULY 1, 2025
July 1, 2025 marks a significant milestone in the landscape of apprenticeships in France. A funding reform, introduced by the 2025 Finance Act, has come into force, changing the rules for companies, Apprentice Training Centers (CFA), and apprentices. The main objective of this reform is to ensure the financial sustainability of the system while adapting it to the needs of the labor market.
WHAT IS CHANGING FOR COMPANIES: MANDATORY CONTRIBUTION FOR HIGHER LEVELS
The most notable measure for employers is the introduction of a mandatory contribution of €750 for each apprenticeship contract targeting a level 6 or 7 diploma (equivalent to a bachelor's degree or higher). This amount, invoiced by the CFA to the company after the 45-day trial period, is a new fixed cost that is added to the cost of training. It aims to make companies more responsible for financing higher education and to compensate for the reduction in funding by the Opérateurs de Compétences (OPCO).
NEW FINANCING TERMS: MORE RIGOROUS MANAGEMENT
The reform introduces several changes for CFAs and OPCOs in order to better control costs and align them with the reality of training:
- Daily pro-rata financing: the "month started is due" rule has been abolished. From now on, contract financing is calculated on a pro-rata basis according to the number of training days actually completed, allowing for more accurate calculations and avoiding additional costs in the event of early termination of the contract.
- Reductions for distance learning: for courses delivered more than 80% remotely, the level of funding provided by OPCOs is reduced by 20%, with a minimum of €4,000.
- New payment schedule: 10% of the total funding is now withheld and paid only at the end of the contract. This measure is intended in particular to avoid overpayments.
IMPACT ON APPRENTICESHIPS: WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES?
This reform has two main objectives:
- Responding to the needs of the labor market: funding is now directed towards training courses that lead to professions in high demand and initial qualification levels (CAP, Bac Pro). Professional branches will play a more important role in defining these priorities.
- Financial sustainability: by adjusting the levels of funding and giving employers greater responsibility, the reform seeks to ensure the financial sustainability of the apprenticeship system.
The reform is also part of a plan to strengthen quality control of training in CFAs, which will be rolled out from the start of the 2025 academic year.
SUMMARY: KEY POINTS
When? The reform came into force on July 1, 2025, for all contracts signed from that date onwards.
Who is affected? Employers, apprentices, CFAs, and OPCOs.
What are the main measures?
- Employer contribution of €750 for contracts at the Bac+3 level and above.
- Funding calculated to the nearest day rather than to the nearest month.
- 20% reduction for training courses that are more than 80% distance learning.
- 10% balance of funding paid at the end of the contract.