Contrat Professionnalisation Template for France

A Contrat Professionnalisation is a specialized employment contract that allows you to hire and train employees while they acquire professional qualifications. This work-study arrangement combines practical work experience in your company with theoretical training provided by an approved training organization, creating a pathway for professional development that benefits both employers and employees.

When do you need this document?

You need this contract when hiring young people aged 16-25 seeking their first professional qualification, or when recruiting job seekers over 26 who need skills development or career change support. This contract is particularly valuable when you want to train employees for specific roles in your company while benefiting from reduced social charges and state subsidies. You should use this contract if you're looking to develop talent internally, address skills shortages in your sector, or provide structured career advancement opportunities for existing or new employees.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must clearly identify all parties including the employer, employee, and training organization, with detailed descriptions of the targeted professional qualification and training program. The duration must comply with legal limits, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months but extendable to 24 months for specific qualifications. You must ensure the training component represents at least 15% of the total contract duration, with a minimum of 150 hours. Remuneration must meet minimum wage requirements based on the employee's age and qualification level, starting at 55% of SMIC for under-21s without baccalauréat and reaching 100% of SMIC for those over 26. The contract must specify working hours, training schedules, and the division between workplace learning and formal education.

Legal requirements in France

Under Articles L6325-1 through L6325-15 of the Code du travail, your contract must be written and submitted to the relevant OPCO (skills operator) within five days of execution. The training organization must be certified and the qualification targeted must be registered in the national directory of professional certifications. You must designate a workplace tutor who meets specific experience and qualification requirements to supervise the employee's practical training. The contract can be either fixed-term (CDD) or indefinite-term (CDI) with a professionnalization action period. You're entitled to specific aid from the state, including exemptions from certain social charges and potential additional subsidies for hiring job seekers over 45 or those with specific profiles. Regular follow-up and evaluation procedures must be implemented to ensure training objectives are met, and the employee's progress must be documented throughout the contract period.