Contrats de Travail Apprentissage Template for France

A Contrat de Travail Apprentissage is a specialized employment contract that combines practical work experience with formal education to help young people gain professional qualifications in France. This alternance system allows you to learn a trade while earning a salary, creating a pathway from education to employment that benefits both apprentices and employers seeking skilled workers.

When do you need this document?

You need an apprenticeship contract when establishing a formal training relationship between an employer, an apprentice, and a Centre de Formation d'Apprentis (CFA). This applies when hiring apprentices aged 16-29 for positions that lead to recognized diplomas or professional qualifications, from CAP certificates to engineering degrees. The contract is also required when existing employees want to pursue additional qualifications through apprenticeship while maintaining their employment status, or when companies participate in government apprenticeship programs to access training subsidies and tax benefits.

Key legal considerations

Several critical provisions must be carefully structured in your apprenticeship contract. The rémunération section must comply with minimum wage requirements based on the apprentice's age and training level, ranging from 27% to 100% of SMIC. Duration clauses typically span 6 months to 3 years depending on the qualification pursued, with specific start and end dates aligned with the academic calendar. Work time provisions must balance company hours with mandatory CFA attendance, typically 25% of contract time spent in training centers. The maître d'apprentissage designation is legally required - this mentor must possess either the same qualification plus 3 years experience, or 5 years experience in the relevant field. Trial period clauses are limited to 45 days of actual company presence, excluding CFA time.

Legal requirements in France

French law mandates strict compliance with the Code du travail provisions governing apprenticeship contracts. You must register the contract with your Opérateur de Compétences (OPCO) within 5 working days of signature, which replaced the previous chamber of commerce system under the 2018 reforms. The contract requires three-party signatures from employer, apprentice (and legal guardian if under 18), and CFA representatives. Minimum age is 16, though 15-year-olds who completed collège can qualify, while the maximum age extends to 29 years (no upper limit for disabled individuals or those creating businesses). Medical examinations are mandatory before contract start, with specialized requirements for certain industries. The employer must provide working conditions equivalent to other employees, including protective equipment and safety training. Social security coverage applies from day one, with apprentices receiving full employee benefits despite reduced salary scales.