A dual training program is a training system that allows you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice in the field and to prepare for your diploma. Indeed, the alternation includes at the same time a theoretical teaching within a training center and a work experience within a company. Are you a student? Regardless of your age, you are eligible for a work-study program. In this article, you can read about the advantages you can have at the end of this professional training program and the amount of a student’s salary depending on his or her situation.
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How can a work-study program benefit you?
The first great advantage of a work-study program is that it allows you to obtain a title recognized by the RNCP or Répertoire National de la Certification Professionnelle. This means that once you have completed the training, you are automatically placed in the center of the recruiters’ sights. Indeed, validation of the RNCP means quality and seriousness of the training. As evidence, in 2021, 718,000 new apprenticeship contracts were signed compared to 510,300 contracts in 2020 in the private and public sectors. This is an increase of 37%. The work-study program is therefore a real guarantee of success in the professional field.
For many parents, it is becoming increasingly difficult to finance their children’s education. You, the student, can remedy this problem. Another advantage of taking a work-study program is that you can have your degree studies financed. At the same time, you can also meet your daily expenses with the salary you receive, a true financial independence.
Finally, by taking a work-study program, you do not pay for tuition. However, you are working within a company to prepare for your professional future. The company, through its OPCO, is responsible for financing your studies throughout the course. If you are interested in taking a sandwich course, INSEEC opens its doors to you. Specialized in management, our school-business alliance, INSEEC, offers several specializations and various study programs ranging from BAC to BAC +5. The goal is to promote the employability of young students.
How much does a work-study student get paid?
Even if you are on a work-study program, you are treated the same as all other employees of the company. In addition, you have an apprenticeship master or tutor appointed by the company to follow your progress throughout the course and help you improve your skills. Depending on the company, you may even be entitled to certain benefits such as meal allowances or tickets, company mutual insurance, profit sharing, vacations, RTT or the thirteenth month.
As for the salary, the amount received depends entirely on the age of the student, his or her level of study, the year in which the contract was signed and the nature of the contract: professionalization contract or apprenticeship contract. The salary of a work-study student is based on the SMIC (Conventional Minimum Wage), which is 1645 euros gross per month since the beginning of May 2022. Up to this amount, the salary of a work-study student is not taxable.
Calculating the salary of a student on an apprenticeship contract
The salary received by a student during the first year of training is approximately :
- 444.15 euros or 27% of the SMIC for children under 18 years old;
- 707.35 euros for 18 to 20 year olds, i.e. 43% of the minimum wage;
- 871.25 euros for 21 to 25 year olds, i.e. 53% of the minimum wage;
- 1645 euros for those aged 26 and over, i.e. 100% of the SMIC.
In the second year, the amount of the salary is calculated at 39% of the SMIC for those under 18, 51% for those between 18 and 20, 61% for those between 21 and 25 and always 100% for those over 26.
Finally, in the third year, the calculation starts from 55% of the SMIC for those under 18, 67% for those 18 to 20, 78% for those 21 to 25 and 100% for those over 26.
Calculation of the gross salary of a work-study student on a professional contract
For this second type of contract, the salary varies according to the degree held by the student. For those with a diploma below the baccalaureate, the basic salary received by work-study students under 21 years of age is 55% of the SMIC, 70% for those between 21 and 25 years of age and 85 or 100% for those 26 years of age and older.
For work-study students with a diploma equal to or higher than the baccalaureate, the basic salary is 65% of the SMIC for those under 21 years of age, 80% for those between 21 and 25 years of age and 85 or 100% for those over 26 years of age.
Do you have other questions in mind? You will surely find the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Updated 2 August 2023