Background information

The law of 5 September 2018 creates a new mechanism to revitalise the training methods available to employees: retraining or promotion by work-study contract (Pro-A). In a context of major changes in the labour market, the Pro-A scheme enables employees, particularly those whose qualifications are insufficient in the light of changes in technology or work organisation, to promote their professional development or promotion. Retraining or promotion through work-linked training complements the company's skills development plan and the personal training account (CPF). Implemented at the initiative of the employee or the company, the Pro-A scheme can be used for professional development, promotion or retraining.

Content of measure

Retraining or promotion through work-linked training, known as Pro-A, aims to enable employees to change jobs or professions or to benefit from social or professional promotion. This course alternates theoretical teaching and professional activity.

Pro-A is based on theoretical courses and practical courses enabling the acquisition of know-how related to the qualifications sought by the company.

The training courses that can be taken as part of the Pro-A programme are mainly aimed at obtaining diplomas or professional qualifications registered in the national register of professional certifications or Certificates of Professional Qualification (CQP) recognised by the national collective branches. The Pro-A can lead to obtaining the base of knowledge and professional skills (Cléa certificate) linked to basic knowledge.

The Pro-A is mainly aimed at employees on permanent employment contracts as well as employees on part-time work.

The programme follows the rules and duration applicable to the professionalisation contract. Thus, in principle and with some exceptions, the duration of the certification actions is between 6 and 12 months. The total duration of the training is at least 150 hours. This training can take place during or outside working hours. If the training takes place outside working hours, the employee must give his or her written consent. Training carried out during working hours gives rise to the maintenance of the employee's remuneration by the employer. Training outside working hours is not paid.

Use of measure

The government originally planned to invest €108 million annually in 2021 and 2022, and €54 million in 2023, with an estimated total cost of €270 million. However, under the France Relance plan in 2020, these funds were increased.

Despite numerous agreements covering a large number of employees, the ProA scheme has faced challenges in implementation. From January to June 2021, only 857 actions were initiated, totaling €3.8 million. Nonetheless, the program showed improvement, with both the number of actions and financial investments increasing between the first and second quarters of 2021.

However, the Court of Auditors' 2023 report highlighted the shortcomings of the 2018 reform aimed at simplifying training schemes in France. Many programs, including Pro-A, continued in various forms with less financial resources, contributing to complexity. Pro-A itself is a complicated system, which has led to a reduction in the use of career transition schemes.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Employees in standard employment	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	Employer National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Consulted	Consulted
Form	Direct consultation outside a formal body	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Social partners have been consulted in the framework of the measures adopted in the Plan France Relance, to relaunch the French economy.

Views and reactions

Not available.

Sources

• 05 September 2018: Labour Code, Chapitre IV : Reconversion ou promotion par alternance (Articles L6324-1 à L6324-10) (www.legifrance.gouv.fr)
• 05 September 2018: Loi n° 2018-771 du 5 septembre 2018 pour la liberté de choisir son avenir professionnel (www.legifrance.gouv.fr)
• 24 December 2018: Décret n° 2018-1232 du 24 décembre 2018 relatif aux publics éligibles et aux conditions de mise en œuvre de la reconversion ou la promotion par alternance (www.legifrance.gouv.fr)
• 21 August 2019: Ordonnance n° 2019-861 du 21 août 2019 visant à assurer la cohérence de diverses dispositions législatives avec la loi n° 2018-771 du 5 septembre 2018 pour la liberté de choisir son avenir professionnel (www.legifrance.gouv.fr)
• 17 March 2020: Décret n° 2020-262 du 16 mars 2020 relatif à la mise en œuvre et au financement de la reconversion ou promotion par alternance (www.legifrance.gouv.fr)
• 26 October 2020: Pro-A : reconversion ou promotion par alternance (www.economie.gouv.fr)
• 07 September 2021: Instruction du 7 Septembre 2021 relative a la mobilisation du FNE-Formation et de la pro A pour financer les parcours de formation des salaries. (www.centre-inffo.fr)
• 04 October 2021: La ProA, renforcée dans le cadre du "plan de relance", est opérationelle... (www.aefinfo.fr)
• 26 July 2022: Ministry of Labour (2022), Reconversion ou promotion par alternance, Pro-A (travail-emploi.gouv.fr)
• 10 June 2023: La formation professionelle des salaries (www.ccomptes.fr)
• 11 December 2024: Liste des accords de branche étendus sur la Pro-A (www.centre-inffo.fr)