Every year, work-study programs attract more and more students looking for practical, hands-on, paid training. In engineering schools, this type of learning represents a real opportunity to gain training while gradually entering the world of work.
At Arts et Métiers, work-study programs are at the heart of the educational approach to training operational engineers with a solid scientific and technical background and a strong immersion in corporate culture, fostered by real-world experience in the workplace and encouraged by significant cross-disciplinary teaching in the academic curriculum.
What is work-study at an engineering school?
A training program combining work and school
Work-study programs are based on a balance between academic instruction and corporate experience. In practical terms, students divide their time between school, where they acquire essential theoretical knowledge, and the workplace, where they put their knowledge into practice. This predefined rhythm creates an effective and immersive learning dynamic.
The apprenticeship or professional training contract
Two types of contracts govern work-study programs in engineering schools:
- The apprenticeship contract, intended for young people aged 16 to 29, allows them to prepare for a state-recognized engineering degree while benefiting from employee status.
- The professional training contract, meanwhile, is aimed at a wider audience (up to the age of 25, or even older for certain specific groups) and also aims to improve skills through experience.
These two contracts guarantee work-study students a degree program and easier entry into the workforce.
The advantages of work-study programs for engineering students
Gain practical professional experience
One of the main advantages of work-study programs is the professional experience gained during training. Immersed in a company for several months or even years, students discover the realities of the engineering profession, the tools used, industrial processes, and economic and environmental issues. This experience is a real springboard to employment: companies are keen to recruit candidates who are already familiar with their culture and projects.
Receive compensation while studying
As a work-study student, you receive a monthly salary calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage based on your age and year of study. This salary often covers some or all of your study and living expenses. In addition, tuition fees are often covered by the host company, making work-study programs particularly attractive from a financial standpoint.
Develop technical and cross-functional skills
Work-study programs allow students to develop not only solid technical skills directly related to their chosen engineering specialty (mechanical, energy, materials, digital, etc.), but also highly sought-after cross-disciplinary skills: project management, communication, teamwork, autonomy, adaptability, etc. These soft skills, reinforced by experience in the workplace, are a considerable asset for future employability.
Work-study program at Arts et Métiers
Work-study programs at Arts et Métiers
The Grande Ecole Work-Study Program
A program combining solid theoretical foundations and immersion in the business world: since 2015, Arts et Métiers an apprenticeship track to students enrolled in the Arts et Métiers Grande Ecole Program. This program is offered on the Angers campus and the Paris campus.
At the end of the three years, apprenticeship students receive the same diploma as students enrolled in the student program, giving them access to all the professions and sectors in which Arts et Métiers engineers work.
The apprenticeship program is based on several key principles that contribute to the professional development of students:
- a generalist education during the first two years, supplemented by specialized training in the third year,
- a work-study program with 40% of the time spent in school and 60% in a company (including 12 weeks of international mobility),
- innovative teaching methods based on a problem-solving and project-based approach, promoting autonomy and adaptability among apprentices,
- the same lessons as the student curriculum, organized to take into account the time spent in the workplace.
The Specialized Engineering Program
Arts et Métiers 11 engineering programs, which are accessible through apprenticeships. With one foot in school and the other in the workplace, students benefit from a solid theoretical foundation while gaining 18 months of professional experience.
Becoming an Arts et Métiers engineer Arts et Métiers the Specialized Engineering Program work-study program guarantees you will benefit from the same academic quality as the Arts et Métiers Grande École Program, while learning the codes and workings of the company and putting the knowledge acquired at school into practice. This learning method contributes to professional integration.
The level of theoretical training is equivalent to that of a "general" degree. Engineering students continuously put their knowledge into practice at their host companies. Close relationships between the apprenticeship supervisor at the company and the academic tutor are central to this dynamic: they validate the skills developed in professional situations.
TheSpecialized Master's Program®
Arts et Métiers a wide range of Specialized Master's® programs that enable students to acquire expertise or dual skills. Industry professionals are thus equipped to meet the challenges of their sector.
A postgraduate program with a professional focus, the Specialized Master's® offers highly specialized training in a rapidly growing field, profession, or sector. These programs, which can be completed through work-study or continuing education, provide unique knowledge in areas where companies have a real need. The rigorous accreditation process ensures the long-term excellence of the program.
The quality of the programs draws onArts et Métiers strengthsArts et Métiers terms of research and teaching, and its close ties with industry ensure that they are tailored to the needs of businesses. Twelve Specialized Master's® programs are currently available across various campuses.
A professional network already established during the Arts et Métiers training program
Small and large companies have always supported the developmentArts et Métiers. Today, different modes of collaboration are being implemented to meet the new challenges facing companies and the institution. This also involves recruiting numerous engineering students on work-study programs to validate their training courses. This allows them to join their host company directly, while also developing their professional network.
Furthermore, by supporting Arts et Métiers, companies contribute to the training of future executives and engineers. This ensures that training programs meet the current and future needs of companies, while taking into account the challenges of ecological transition and social responsibility.
Why choose Arts et Métiers a work-study program in engineering?
The advantages for Arts et Métiers engineering students
Arts et Métiers engineers Arts et Métiers recognized as pragmatic engineers, combining technological knowledge, practical experience, and team spirit. By alternating between periods within the company and periods of training, engineering students enrich their knowledge of the operational realities of the company. This also allows students to:
- Drawing on one's experience in the workplace to give meaning to one's academic training;
- Gain valuable professional experience that will give you a competitive edge once you graduate;
- Clarify your career plans;
- Benefit from the support of an engineer from your company and an Arts et Métiers teacher Arts et Métiers
- Continue one's studies in relative financial comfort
A school renowned for its industrial expertise
For more than two centuries, Arts et Métiers engineers capable of supporting major industrial transformations. Thanks to a teaching approach based on innovation, scientific rigor, and practical experience, the school has forged strong partnerships with companies in key sectors such as energy, aeronautics, mobility, Industry 4.0, sustainable construction, and more.
Arts et Métiers to Industry 4.0, is transforming its educational platforms to meet the challenges of the industry of the future and train the players involved in its transformation through Evolutive Learning Factories
Through work-study programs, engineering students benefit from this recognized expertise and tailored supervision, enabling them to acquire skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
Joining Arts et Métiers a work-study program means combining excellent training, hands-on experience, and privileged access to a national and international industrial network.
