--- title: "The complete guide to work-study contracts | Actual group" description: "Discover how work-study training works. We explain the contract types, pay rates, and steps to make your project a success." canonical_url: "https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/tout-savoir-sur-le-contrat-d-alternance" locale: en meta: "og:description": "Discover how work-study training works. We explain the contract types, pay rates, and steps to make your project a success." "og:title": "The complete guide to work-study contracts" --- [Advice](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/category/advice) # **Everything you need to know about work-study contracts** July 17, 2026·5 min read [Advice](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/category/advice) *Discover how to enter the job market quickly thanks to work-study contracts! Work-study training allows you to prepare for a diploma or qualification while working in a company. It is available under 2 types of contracts: the professionalisation contract and the apprenticeship contract. It is a unique opportunity to build your career plan and put theoretical learning into practice. But contrary to popular belief, work-study programs aren't just for CAP qualifications, young people, and craft trades. Let us tell you more.* ## What is work-study training? Work-study training is a scheme that combines theoretical education, professional techniques, and practical experience in a company. A true stepping stone to employment, work-study training allows you to learn a trade and integrate into the working world more easily. ## What are the types of work-study employment contracts? Work-study training includes 2 types of contracts: - the apprenticeship contract: aims to obtain a state diploma (CAP, baccalaureate, BTS, bachelor's degree, master's...) or a professional qualification registered with the RNCP; - the professionalisation contract: aims to obtain a recognised professional qualification (diploma or professional qualification registered with the RNCP, professional qualification certificate). Both can be concluded as a fixed-term (CDD) or permanent contract (CDI). Feel free to read our article “Everything you need to know about the different types of employment contracts” to compare them with other contracts. ## How long does a work-study contract last? The duration of an apprenticeship contract ranges from 6 months to 3 years. It can be extended up to 4 years for workers recognized as disabled. The duration of a professionalisation contract ranges from 6 months to 1 year. However, it can be extended up to 36 months for specific groups: unqualified young people, beneficiaries of active solidarity income (RSA), specific solidarity allowance (ASS), disabled adults allowance (AAH), or individuals completing a single insertion contract (CUI). ## Who is work-study training for? Work-study programs cater to different profiles depending on the type of contract. As such, the apprenticeship contract is aimed at young people aged 16 to 29 inclusive. However, it is possible to sign an apprenticeship contract beyond 30 years old if you are recognized as a disabled worker, a high-level athlete, or if you have a business creation or takeover project requiring the diploma being prepared. The professionalisation contract, on the other hand, is aimed at: - young people aged 16 to 25; - job seekers aged 26 and over; - beneficiaries of active solidarity income (RSA), specific solidarity allowance (ASS), disabled adults allowance (AAH), or a single insertion contract (CUI). No special conditions (qualification level, duration of unemployment, etc.) are required. ## What is the status of a work-study employee? In a work-study program, you must sign an apprenticeship or professionalisation contract with your company, which is an employment contract subject to the Labour Code. You become a full employee and thus enjoy the same rights and duties: social security, paid leave, RTT (reduced working hours) where applicable, entitlement to unemployment and pension benefits, transport allowance, and complementary health insurance. ## What are the benefits of work-study training? A forward-looking training pathway, work-study programs offer many benefits for the employee: - acquire skills before entering the job market; - build solid work experience; - transition quickly into a job; - earn a wage during training; - develop your professional network; - be more competitive in the job market. ## Does a work-study contract include a probationary period? The rules vary depending on the type of contract: - for the apprenticeship contract, it is not strictly speaking a probationary period: the contract can be freely terminated by either party during the first 45 days (consecutive or not) of practical training in the company, without notice or justification; - for the professionalisation contract, the standard probationary period applies, according to the rules of a CDD or CDI. Note, however, that the termination of a work-study contract must be notified in writing. It gives no entitlement to compensation, unless otherwise specified in the contract. ## How much do you get paid under a work-study contract? The minimum wage for a work-study employee is set as a percentage of the SMIC (national minimum wage) or the collective agreement minimum, and depends on the contract type, the employee's age, the contract duration, and the level of study. ## What qualifications and training courses are covered by work-study programs? Work-study training allows you to prepare for a diploma or qualification ranging from CAP level to Master's level (Bac +5). Increasingly popular with students and favored by recruiting companies, work-study training now applies to all professional sectors: sales, insurance, communication, digital, industry, agriculture, hospitality & catering, craft trades, etc. Work-study programs help facilitate your career entry by making you quickly operational, while funding your training path. It enables you to obtain a diploma or state-recognized qualification. It is a great stepping stone to employment that Actual group strongly believes in. Don't hesitate to reach out to your Actual advisor to discuss it with them and discover all our training solutions, whether you have a career plan, an integration project, or are looking to retrain. ## **Articles you might like** [AdviceOctober 13, 2026**An up-to-date profile = one step ahead in your job search** Availability, licenses, CACES, mobility, CV: discover the information to update on your candidate profile so recruiters can spot you.**Read the article **](https://www.actualgroup.com/en/blog/an-up-to-date-profile-one-step-ahead-in-your-job-search) [AdviceJuly 21, 2026**Career change: learning to sell yourself to find a first job** Are you changing careers? 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