Accompanying An Apprentice Through Courses At l'Institut d'Optique

This page is for companies looking to hire engineering apprentices from the Institut d'Optique.

Important to know:

Our recruitment process differs from those of traditional apprenticeship programs. At the Institut d'Optique, we train apprentices for the same diploma as our full-time students, and we recruit them in the same way! This implies a recruitment process offset into the summer and the month of September (see below).
A RECRUITMENT FORUM is organized at the Institut d'Optique on Thursday, September 5, 2024 so that you can meet our students who have just been admitted to the school and are interested in work-study programs. More information here.
Most work-study contracts are 36-month contracts (i.e. for the entire training period). However, 24-month apprenticeship contracts (starting at the beginning of the 2nd year) are possible in some cases.
Once you have selected your candidate, and wish to enter into contract; download and complete the documents opposite. There you will find the Institute of Optics/Company agreement which must be signed to enter into contract.
Consult the success indicators of apprentices and the satisfaction of companies here: indicateurs de réussite des apprenti·es et de satisfaction des entreprises.
Contact us for more information about our training: recrutement.cfa@institutoptique.fr.

How do apprenticeships work?

Contract start date: October 1st (36-month contract)

Contract end date: September 30th.

Full-time periods in the company are possible throughout the national territory. Significant company presence (92 weeks).

Nine weeks of international experience (consecutive or not) are to be completed during the 'company period', according to the current recommendations of the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur. The period indicated in the table above is only indicative. If the company cannot offer international mobility internally, it may release the apprentice who can:

(i) either do an internship in another company or laboratory, or

(ii) complete the first semester of the 3rd year of their degree in a partner university (subject to the company's agreement to modify the alternation rhythm of the apprenticeship, conditional upon the success of their application by the host university).

24-month contracts are also possible in exceptional cases. In this case, apprentices join the 2nd year of the program directly.

Please contact us for more information on the alternation rhythm and international mobility of 24-month contracts.

How is the course constructed?

Our engineering apprentices receive a comprehensive education in photonics. They earn the same degree as our full-time students, meeting the same rigorous academic standards. This degree is recognized by many employers and highly valued by employers. The curriculum is available for download opposite.

How do you accompany an apprentice at the Institut d'Optique?

Make An Offer

- Fill out the Job Offer Letter (available for download opposite) and send it to us at: recrutement.cfa@institutoptique.fr.

Recruitment Process

- 1st wave in June for students following parallel admission processes.

- 2nd wave in September for all students (competitive exam and parallel universitary admission)

- FORUM ABOUT RECRUITMENT BY APPRENTICESHIPS: on Thursday 5th September in the afternoon at the Institut d'Optique (Palaiseau site)? Link to more information and inscription information here: Informations et inscription ici (link).

Filing of your contract with your Skills Development Operator

After selecting your candidate, please send the completed apprenticeship contract and the signed Institute of Optics/company agreement to your company's Skills Development Operator (OPCO). This must be done before the apprenticeship begins, ideally within 5 days.
You can download the apprenticeship contract (CERFA), a template for the Institute of Optics/company agreement, and an explanatory note from OPCO 2i (the same process applies to all OPCOs). Additional information about our apprenticeship program is also available.

What is the cost of apprenticeships for EPICs and private companies?

In 2023, apprenticeship training costs are set at the standard contract cost of €8,842/year as fixed by the Decree Of August 31, 2022. Training costs covered by main professional branches, are currently set at:

€8,500 for the metallurgy branch (OPCO 2i)
€8,100 for the Syntec branch (OPCO ATLAS)
€8,842 (reference cost) for the main public institutions employing apprentices from the Institute of Optics (ONERA, CEA)

The Institute of Optics offers companies the opportunity to participate in training efforts by settling shortfall in the form of a remaining charge (€342/year for the metallurgy branch and €742/year for the Syntec branch), see the IOGS/Company agreement template for download

What is the cost of training for public organisations?

Public organizations cover the full cost of training. To encourage apprenticeships in public laboratories, these costs are subsidized, with a reduced rate of €7,000 per year for 2024 recruits. Invoices are issued annually.

Please refer to the IOGS/Public Organization agreement template for more details