A bad signal for learning in the Channel

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The prime maximum of 6 000 € pour l’hiring of a alternating is stopped au December 31, 2024 for the contracts signed no later than this date.

This is not quite the end of this aid since it increases to €4,000 in 2025.

An announcement deemed “brutal” by the world of crafts

In recent days, discussions have continued at the Ministry of Labor to limit the impact of such a saving measure in a constrained and uncertain budgetary context. Apprenticeships in France have seen a doubling of their numbers over the last 5 years, with just over a million apprentices as of October 31.

The announcement of this change in policy is considered “brutal” by the craft world. “Particularly for very small businesses (VSEs) which are the primary providers of learning,” explains Jean-Denis Meslin. We were denigrated for years and as it worked, we extended the bonus to everyone. » The credits then flew away, like a windfall.

That was the mistake. Large companies, SMEs and SMIs did not need this bonus to hire.

He considers that it would have been necessary to “cap this aid to companies with fewer than 50 people”.

“10 to 20% fewer apprentices”

The change in regime risks leading to a drop in the number of apprentices. “It will definitely have an impact on learning. Under Hollande, overnight, the elimination of the tax credit had the immediate effect of reducing apprenticeship contracts by 30 to 40%. The measure was then reinstated but it took time to get things back on track,” recalls Jean-Denis Meslin.

“Today, we risk losing 10 to 20% of our training staff,” he continues. It's serious. These apprentices are our future workers and above all our future buyers! » The elected consular official takes a look in the rearview mirror and remembers a pitfall: “We saw it in crafts and in particular in hairdressing, around ten years ago. This profession was facing economic problems and had itself reduced the number of apprentices. She found herself, 5 years later, without an employee and without a buyer. Training young people is essential for maintaining our activities. »

The Ministry of Labor should specify, in the coming days, the outlines for awarding a hiring bonus for apprenticeship contracts from January 1, 2025.

This comes at a time when the economic situation is complicated. We see this, among other things, in the construction industry where large companies are positioning themselves in markets where small businesses were hitherto alone. I would like to remind you that these VSEs make it possible to maintain economic activity in our rural areas.

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