Summer studies

   Long seen as a lesser alternative to academic education, vocational training earned its stripes some twenty years ago in the French educational system.    Vocational training is now an important part of the French education and training system. It is based on a careful balance between academic education, vocational training and links with the world of work. It enables vocational students to access careers in all sectors, without losing sight of the importance of academic education.    For initial vocational training, you have two options - full-time training in a vocational secondary school or an on-the-job apprenticeship with part-time study at a training centre.

• The vocational secondary school (lycée professionnel)

You can choose to go to a vocational school at the age of 15 on leaving a collège (lower secondary school). Lycées professionnels prepare students for a variety of vocational qualifications, including vocational Baccalaureates. The full-time training includes work placements, which are mandatory and integral part of the course.

• Apprenticeship Training (CFA)

This type of training combines workplace experience with part-time study during working hours at an apprentice training centre (CFA). With time spent in the company and the apprentice training centre (CFA), apprenticeship training involves a close partnership between the employer and the training centre. The employer and the apprentice are bound by an apprenticeship contract which is identical to a work contract and subject to French Labour Law as well as industry-wide agreements. The apprentice works for an employer and receives a salary and (s)he receives training both at the CFA and in the workplace.

• Vocational Qualifications

These qualifications, which are put together with the input from industry, are updated regularly. - The Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle (CAP) [First Vocational Skills Certificate] This is a specialised diploma that requires specific job-related skills and is designed to ensure quick entry into the working world. It is a 2 year course which students begin at the age of 15/16. During their training, students must undertake a 12 to 16 week work placement. - The Brevet d’études professionnelles (BEP) [Vocational Diploma] Like the CAP, the BEP is a 2 year course open to students at the age of 15/16. However, it is a broader qualification and gives students the opportunity to continue their studies, normally by taking a vocational or technological Baccalaureate level. On completion the students have qualified or skilled worker (level V) status. There are over 50 different subject areas available. The curriculum is divided into 50% technological or vocational training and 50% academic education. It also involves a 4-8 week work placement. - The Vocational Baccalaureate (Bac Pro) After a CAP or BEP, you can either work or continue your studies. In this last case, you can prepare a vocational Baccalauréat. This qualification offers excellent opportunities to gain employment quickly and is very much focused on the world of work, with an average of 16 weeks of on-the-job training, spread over this two year course. There exist vocational Baccalauréats in 61 occupational areas.

• Admission of foreign students in a lycée professionnel:

Any foreign student can study in a vocational secondary school if he/she speaks fluent French and if there are places available (foreigners do not have priority). Admission requirements are the same as for French students. You usually have to go through a pre-inscription on Internet between January and March, on the website of the academy you want to study in (see the links below). Then you have to send your inscription file around May/June. In this file, you must provide your school review, with teachers’ assessments and the written proof of classes completed. All this documents must be translated into French by an official translator. In addition, you must get recognition of your school level or/and diploma from the DARIC, the Academic Office for International Relations. There is one DARIC in each academy (see the links below). You should contact each establishment to know more about the admission procedure. A list of these establishment is to be found on: www.onisep.fr Keep in mind that if you are a minor, you need to have a referent person. After 18, formalities to study in France are the same for both students in vocational and higher education.

Note that it is often simpler, though more expansive, to enrol in a private school. However, when it comes to choose a private school, you should always check if it has entered a contract with the State, it will give you some security.

• Admission of foreign students in a CFA:

It is not possible for foreign students to study in an apprentice training centre, unless they have the French nationality.

Source: Eduscol Photos: © F. de la Mure / Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs