An apprenticeship consists of periods of paid training alternating with periods of work.

This type of training is carried out by the company itself, under the responsibility of a supervisor, and also by the "centre de formation d'apprentis" (C.F.A.) - apprentices' training centre -.
Young people between 16 and 25 years of age learn a trade at the same time as they prepare for a qualification (CAP or engineer's diploma). The apprenticeship contract is a specific work contract giving the apprentice the status of employee; the duration of the contract varies from one to three years according to the trade and the level of qualification prepared.
The apprentice receives a salary which is a percentage of the "Smic" (minimum wage) (25% to 78%), unless there are more favourable arrangements, determined either by contract or existing under an industrial agreement. It varies according to the age of the apprentice and the year of apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship formalities : Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat de la Haute-Corse - Service Apprentissage - 3, rue Marcel Paul - 20200 Bastia - Tel : 33 (0)4 95 32 83 00

The Decision-Making Centre (CAD) has the function of promoting apprenticeships and also of assessment, to help in the development of personal or professional projects.

The psychologists of the CAD and the staff of the Apprenticeship Section are available to help :
• young people between 16 and 25 wishing to apply for an apprenticeship; they will be informed of the trades available in the skilled crafts sector, an evaluation will be made of the qualification already acquired and training periods of 2 or 3 years will be proposed;
• managers of small businesses wishing to recruit apprentices; the business wishing to receive an apprentice is investigated, supply is matched to demand (using apprenticeship grants) and the various trades are promoted;
• unemployed people - for advice on specific training possibilities.

Address : Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat de la Haute-Corse - Centre d'Aide à la Décision - 41, boulevard Paoli - 20200 Bastia -
Tel : 33 (0)4 95 32 83 54