Guide on Salary for Apprentices and Professional Contracts in Work-Study

Are you a student considering pursuing work and study training at our business school? You may be wondering how much salary you can expect. Whether it's an apprenticeship contract, a professional contract or an internship, this blog will go over the regulatory salary scales and the many advantages of choosing a work and study training.

What is work and study and what are its benefits?

Work and study is a training method that allows for a combination of theory and practice. It is regulated by an apprenticeship contract or a professional contract. The apprentice divides their time between work in a company and their courses.

The apprenticeship contract enables the attainment of a state diploma or a title listed in the RNCP, (National Directory of Professional Certifications). The professional contract, on the other hand, allows for the acquisition of a recognized qualification in the RNCP, a Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP), or a professional qualification recognized by a national collective agreement in the sector.

There are numerous advantages of apprenticeship for students: professional experience, immersion in the workplace, salary, etc. It is indeed highly advantageous to be able to immediately apply what one has learned. However, it should be noted that this kind of contract is also beneficial for the company.

What are the salary scales bases for work and study?

The salary of an apprentice is calculated differently depending on the type of contract signed. However, there is a mandatory minimum remuneration for apprentices, whether they are employed under an apprenticeship contract or a professional contract.

Other factors influence the remuneration: age, level of education, sector of activity, number of years of contract execution, etc.

The salary of the apprentice is based on a percentage calculated from the SMIC or minimum wage (which amounts to €1 747.20 gross per month in 2023, or €1 383.08 net in France). Do not hesitate to consult online resources to get a better idea of the salaries offered in your field of activity.

What are the salaries in work and study ?

As we have seen, there is a minimum gross salary for work and study. This means that an apprentice's salary can never fall below a certain threshold, calculated based on the minimum wage.

Since January 1st, 2023, with the increase of the minimum wage, the salary of apprentices has also increased.

The salary scale for an apprenticeship contract based on age is as follows:

• For students under 18 years old: the salary is 27% of the minimum wage in the 1st year, 39% in the 2nd year, 55% in the 3rd year.
• For students aged 18 to 20: the salary is 43% of the minimum wage in the 1st year, 51% in the 2nd year, 67% in the 3rd year.
• For students aged 21 to 25: the salary is 53% of the minimum wage in the 1st year, 61% in the 2nd year, 78% in the 3rd year.
• For students over 26 years old: the salary is 100% of the minimum wage, regardless of the number of years of study.

The salary scale for a professional contract is as follows:

• For students under 21 years old: the salary is 55% of the minimum wage for those pursuing a diploma below the baccalaureate or level IV, 65% for a diploma equal to or higher than the baccalaureate.
• For students aged 21 to 25: the salary is 70% of the minimum wage for those pursuing a diploma below the baccalaureate or level IV, 80% of the minimal wage for a diploma equal to or higher than the baccalaureate.

Can we compare the salaries in work and study to those of internships?

The remuneration for internships, like the remuneration for work and study, is regulated. However, there are fundamental differences between a salary in work and study and one in an internship since remuneration, duration and objectives vary.

The company signing a contract with an apprentice is subject to the Labor Code, just like for a fixed-term contract or an open-ended contract. Therefore, it must follow the same rules regarding termination, paid leave, and other employee benefits. This type of contract provides a framework for a collaboration that can last from 1 to 3 years. And as we have seen, the salary is calculated to increase from 25 to 80% of the minimum wage depending on age and level of education.

On the other hand, the internship agreement allows more freedom for the employer. It mainly aims to ensure that the company fulfills its commitments to the intern, but it is not subject to labor regulations. Remuneration is only mandatory after 8 weeks of internship and corresponds to approximately 30% of the minimum wage, unless the company decides otherwise.

From a salary perspective, it is generally more advantageous to chose the work and study option.

Tips for optimizing your salary in work and study

There are a few tips that can help you skillfully negotiate your salary in alternance.

Start by highlighting your skills during the job interview. Demonstrate your added value: knowledge of a specific tool, a fresh perspective on a field of activity, language skills, a specialization in your course that can benefit the company, etc.

We also recommend staying informed about current events and salaries in work and study. You can do this through websites or specialized media such as lapprenti.com or franceapprentissage.fr.

Learn how to approach salary negotiation by taking MOOCs or attending online conferences on salary negotiation techniques.

You can request a salary increase or try to negotiate additional benefits such as a company phone, vacation vouchers, etc. Keep in mind that it will be difficult to negotiate more than an additional 10% on an apprentice salary.

What diplomas can you pursue in work and study at IPAG?

IPAG Business School offers several work and study programs, such as:

• BTS bac +2: a short and professionalizing training program available in seven specializations (communication, international trade, consulting and marketing of technical solutions, tourism, real estate professions, operational sales management, SME-PMI management).
• Bachelor bac+3:  In the 3rd year of the Bachelor in Management program, the eight specializations can be completed on a work-study course (or as an initial course).  (marketing and digital communication, luxury management, wealth management, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship and business development, international business, business tourism and events, industrial management: opening in September 2026 on the Thionville-Luxembourg campus).
• Programme Grande École in work and study : a 5-year program equivalent to a master's degree. Composed of two cycles, this program combines a cycle focused on learning the fundamentals of management, economics and business with a specialization cycle to be chosen from a list of ten options. Work and study is possible during the Master's cycle of specializations. It is also possible to obtain an international double degree in collaboration with one of our partner universities.

Would you like to learn more or receive personalized advice on finding a work and study contract ? Contact us now to discuss our business school programs.