The number of apprenticeship contracts continued to increase in 2024

The number of contracts that started in 2024 amounted to 878.900 (compared to 851.760 in 2023) in the public and private sectors, while 1,043 million contracts were in progress as of December 31, compared to 1,016 million a year earlier.

"Apprenticeship is establishing itself as a study path of excellence promoting quality professional integration for young people. It helps meet the professional skills needs of companies," the Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families rejoiced in a press release.

The ministry notes that for the first time since 2011, the increase in the number of new contracts is greater for training courses in secondary education (+5,5%) than for those in higher education (+1,7%).

In 2024, the percentage of apprenticeship contracts relating to training at bac+2 level or higher fell by one point, to 61%, indicates Dares.

The average age of entry into apprenticeship has increased slightly, with 58% of contracts being signed by apprentices aged 20 or over (+1 point compared to 2023).

The number of new apprenticeship contracts in France increased 2,5-fold between 2018 and 2022, boosted by a system of generous aid to businesses.

Economist Bruno Coquet (OFCE) has estimated national spending on apprenticeships in 2023 at 24,9 billion euros, or 26.000 euros per apprentice, including the social and tax exemptions from which these contracts benefit, and unemployment insurance expenditure.

Faced with this very high cost for public finances, in 2025, aid for hiring an apprentice was reduced from 6.000 to 5.000 euros for companies with fewer than 250 employees and to 2.000 euros for those with 250 employees or more.