Training through work-study

How it works

Through work-study, your time is split between the company and the training center. You hold employee status and sign an apprenticeship or professionalization contract. At ESIC, every program can be taken through work-study.

Finding a company is part of the journey, and you are not on your own: ESIC advisors support you through a network of partner companies and job-search workshops (resume, applications, interviews).

Earning a salary while you study

The company pays you a salary every month. The amount depends on your age and your year of work-study: it ranges from 27% to 100% of the French minimum wage (SMIC). Depending on the company's collective bargaining agreement, it may be higher than this legal minimum. Like any employee, you can also enjoy the benefits offered by the works council (meal vouchers, help with travel costs, and so on).

Training costs covered for you

Through work-study, training costs are not yours to pay: they are funded by the company and its skills funding body (OPCO). You train for a profession and earn a recognized qualification without paying any tuition fees upfront.

Financial support you can draw on

Depending on your situation, several forms of financial support can add to your salary:

• an equipment grant for learning materials;
• the in-work benefit (prime d'activite) and, where applicable, income support (RSA) for apprentices;
• help toward your driving license;
• the Mobili-Jeune allowance for relocating;
• the Visale rent guarantee and the Loca-Pass deposit advance for housing;
• housing benefits (APL, ALF, ALS).

Why choose work-study

Work-study combines classroom training with professional experience that counts on a resume. You earn a recognized qualification (BTS, RNCP-registered qualification), you build early experience that improves your employability, and you gain financial independence.

Before you commit. The pace is demanding: you are expected to show the same commitment as an employee in a company, without letting your classes and exams slip. And a work-study student does not get school holidays, but five weeks of paid leave, like any employee. Work-study is a real commitment, and that is also what makes it worthwhile.