A pioneering educational institution, ESSEC Business School was the first management school to offer work-study programmes to its students. By offering this type of professional training, the school has once again demonstrated its long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity: allowing students from all backgrounds to access its training. This approach is in line with its Together strategy (with its focus on environmental, social and societal transition).
Established 30 years ago, ESSEC's CFA (Training and Apprentice Centre) has trained more than 8,200 apprentices. It fulfils four major functions:
■ Advising students in developing their professional and personal projects, and supporting them in their search for a host company
■ Monitoring the progress of the apprenticeship and the progress of the apprentice as his/her contract progresses
■ Providing tutoring – one of the pillars of apprenticeship-based education
■ Promoting apprenticeships
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Apprenticeships at ESSEC
Apprenticeships have a dual purpose: over a two-year period, students are given the opportunity to gain their first meaningful work experience, in keeping with their skills. For companies, it allows them to gain a better sense of the apprentice's skills, to entrust them with the most appropriate assignments and to pass on the company's values and culture.
A week dedicated to learning
In addition to promoting apprenticeships on an ongoing basis, Career Services, the CFA and the Companies Department organise a special week dedicated to this approach each year: the Apprenticeship Forum. The latest such event took place from 28 to 30 March 2023.
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The first day took place on the Cergy campus, with 19 companies on hand to meet students. The following two days took place via videoconference. 12 companies showcased their activities and the apprenticeship opportunities they offer.
"Apprenticeship week is the main annual event devoted to work-study programmes at ESSEC. For prospective apprenticeship, this event is a unique opportunity to meet and talk with a range business partners on the Cergy campus," says Antoine Gadaud, Head of the Management Department at the CFA.
This forum provided an opportunity for students to make initial contact with recruiters and assisted them in their search for an apprenticeship.
