From February 1 to 8, 2019, the network of Chambers of Trades and Crafts (CMA), with the support of the Ministry of Labor, is organizing the first edition of the Week of apprenticeship in the craft industry.
This week is indeed an opportunity to show the relevance of learning applied to the craft sector. The leading company in France, Crafts, today trains 35% of the total of apprentices in mainland France, or around 140 young people each year.
A study revealed by the FNPCA shows that nearly 8 out of 10 French people would advise their child or a relative to choose an apprenticeship to become a craftsperson (78%) [1] . This is a relevant recommendation since this training system now allows 70% of apprentices [2] to find employment within 7 months of completing their training...a real springboard!
Apprentices of the craft industry: what profile?
The apprentices of the craft, starting the preparation of their diploma, come for half of them from the college. A figure which explains that 46% of apprentices in the craft are minors against 28% in general apprenticeship. They are then 30%, resulting from a reorientation after high school, university or even a job. Finally, 20% of them are pursuing their diploma course and have therefore chosen to prepare a higher level diploma at the CAP.
Regarding the orientations by sector, these are the food activities where the propensity to train apprentices is highest with 1 apprentice for less than 2 VSEs. In artisanal VSEs for services and construction, this propensity is similar with around 1 apprentice for 9 VSEs. For manufacturing activities, the employment of apprentices is less widespread with 1 apprentice for 13 companies.
Finally, the distribution of male / female apprentices in crafts corresponding to the current structure of salaried jobs. Thus 26% of the apprentices are women and are mainly oriented towards the activities of: personal care, floristry, textiles, clothing, cleaning, pressing. Men, who represent 74% of apprentices, turn to the baking / pastry, construction, automotive and even metalworking trades.
What stepping stone to employment?
70% of apprentices found employment within 7 months of completing their training [2] , a figure that reinforces the craft sector's position as the leading employer of apprentices in France. Employment prospects increase with the level of qualification. Indeed, 56% of CAP graduates are employed, compared to 77% of those with a Brevet Professionnel, 73% of those with a Bac Pro, or 75% of those with a BTS.
Craftsmanship is also a way to start a business, particularly among young people, as evidenced by the fact that those under 30 represent one in five new craft business owners [3] . It's another way of thinking about one's profession, at a time when young people, in particular, are less inclined to pursue traditional careers and value autonomy and freedom.
Apprentices and teachers: cross portraits
Virginie, hairstylist
A hairdresser by training, Virginie is passionate about the artistic dimension of her profession, which she wanted to share by becoming a Hairdressing Trainer in 2009. Since then, she has passed on her knowledge to more than 900 apprentices. For her, apprenticeship is synonymous with very good integration into the job market and above all allows apprentices to do what they like, because there is learning in all areas.
Elodie, apprentice mechanic
Elodie is an apprentice mechanic; having earned her vocational certificate (CAP), she recently passed her professional baccalaureate. Initially, mechanics and cars were a hobby she enjoyed with her brother and friends, but thanks to her apprenticeship, she had the opportunity to make it her career. She now plans to attend a performance school to specialize in racing cars, with the ultimate goal of starting her own business. For her, apprenticeships are above all about motivation: "Any motivated apprentice will succeed."
[1] BVA - FNPCA Study - November 2017
[2] ISM - Skills Apprenticeship Dashboard - 2017 Edition
[3] ISM - Economic overview of crafts - 2016: entrepreneurship in transition
