Apprenticeships are approaching the start of the 2026 academic year under pressure.

As the start of the academic year approaches, the search for a company is in full swing for apprenticeship candidates. Messages posted on social media attest to the difficulties encountered by many young people, despite the possibility of starting their training at a center before signing a contract with an employer.

"It's very complicated for young people. There are always exceptions who manage to find something easily, but overall, we're going to have a year that's just as complex as last year, if not worse," warns Baptiste Martin, president of the National Association of Apprentices of France (Anaf).

Fewer offers as September approaches

In July 2026, 24.800 apprenticeship offers were available on the France Travail website, 7,6% less than a year earlier, according to data provided by the organization to AFP.

This decrease comes in an economic climate that is unfavorable to recruitment. In the second quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds reached 21,6%, up 2,5 percentage points year-on-year, according to INSEE. The Institute also noted a slight decline in apprenticeship and training contracts.

France Travail continues its awareness-raising efforts with employers and organizes meetings between companies and candidates. But for Baptiste Martin, the economic situation is compounded by a gradual withdrawal of state funding for apprenticeships.

An exceptional momentum that is now declining

The massive development of apprenticeships originates from the 2018 reform. This reform notably facilitated the creation of apprenticeship training centers, raised the maximum age for entry into the scheme to 29 years old and strengthened hiring incentives.

This policy has produced spectacular results: more than 800.000 new contracts have been registered each year since 2022, and the number of apprentices has surpassed one million. However, in 2025, 846.683 new contracts were signed, a decrease of 4,9% compared to 2024. At the end of the year, 1,017 million contracts were in effect, down 3% year-on-year.

The composition of apprenticeships has also changed significantly. Two-year post-secondary programs or higher accounted for 59% of contracts started in 2025, compared to less than 40% before the reform. The system has also expanded in the service sector, although the construction sector still accounted for approximately 10% of new entrants.

More targeted hiring incentives

Since March 2026, the amount of financial aid varies according to the size of the company and the level of the qualification being pursued. For employers with fewer than 250 employees, the maximum aid reaches €4.500 for a two-year post-secondary qualification (bac+2) and €2.000 for bachelor's to master's level qualifications. In companies with at least 250 employees, it ranges from €750 to €2.000. A grant of €6.000 remains available for hiring an apprentice with a disability.

These provisions apply to contracts beginning before January 1, 2027. For the following year, the Minister of Labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, announced that the current level of hiring incentives, contract support, and funding for training organizations would be maintained. This policy, however, will need to be confirmed in the budgetary and regulatory texts.

The Minister Delegate for Vocational Training, Sabrina Roubache, also warned that the principle of permanent aid could not be extended indefinitely, while calling on companies to continue recruiting apprentices.

The cost of the device is at the heart of the discussions.

Following the rapid expansion of the program, attention is now turning to its cost and effectiveness. In a study published in May 2026 by the French Economic Observatory (OFCE), economist Bruno Coquet estimates the total public cost of apprenticeships at €24,1 billion in 2024, then at €22,2 billion in 2025. It could fall back to €20,5 billion in 2026.

This estimate includes direct aid to employers, tax and social security exemptions, and educational expenditures. The economist calls for stabilizing the rules and better targeting of funding, particularly towards young people who have left the school system prematurely. However, he warns against indiscriminate cuts that could weaken the provision of training.

Stricter requirements for training organizations

Apprenticeship training centers must also adapt to stricter quality requirements. A decree published in August 2026 modifies the national framework associated with Qualiopi certification, which is necessary to access public or pooled funding.

These changes come at a time when apprenticeship training centers (CFA) are struggling to cope with slowing recruitment and uncertainties surrounding their resources. They may also put pressure on organizations already weakened by the reduction in the number of contracts.

The contract with a company remains crucial

For candidates, the lack of an employer jeopardizes the long-term continuation of their apprenticeship training, as well as the payment of a salary. This uncertainty can lead to feelings of failure and significant pressure as the start of the academic year approaches.

“Apprenticeships are also a youth policy, offering opportunities for training, independence, and preparation for the world of work,” Baptiste Martin points out. Beyond financial considerations, the start of the 2026 academic year therefore raises the question of striking a balance between controlling public spending, meeting the needs of businesses, and ensuring young people have access to employment.