The French government has passed multiple laws in favor of apprenticeships, in particular in support of extending apprenticeships to the age of 25 and increasing financial support for companies that employ apprentices. In order to facilitate the employment of young people in France, a new legal requirement was introduced in 2013 regarding the employment of apprentices. As a consequence, an action plan is in place across Dow France legal entities to support the hiring of apprentices. For 2015, to reinforce the employment of apprentices in companies with more than 250 employees, the French government has established an apprentice quota of 5% of head count.
Program Objectives
To tackle the departure of the ageing workforce in France (54% of Dow Technicians in Manufacturing & Engineering are older than 45), the apprenticeship program is an important pipeline for ensuring a sustainable and skilled pool of young workers in operation. The apprenticeship program in France is, in general, an important hiring, which is why Dow participates in their education program. This approach is fully aligned with local labour best practices and obligations.
Locations
- Chauny
- Erstein
- Drusenhiem
- Villers Saint Paul
- Lauterbourg
- Paris
- Valbonne
Occupations
- Chemical Plant Operator
- Chemical Lab Technician
- Electro Technician for Automation Engineering
- Industrial Mechanic Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Employee Health & Safety Technician
- Run Plant Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemist
- Customer Service Representative
Program Structure
Duration: 1 to 3 years
Dual system: Learning in school and at Dow
Learning on the Job (60%): 3 days in the Company or part- time weekly.
Learning in School (40%): 2 days per week in school or weekly part- time weekly to learn theoretical background of the chosen profession. The education fees of an apprenticeship are covered by the Apprenticeship Tax paid each year by all companies in France.
Graduation: Graduation is possible after 1 to 3 years, depending on the apprenticeship program. Written and practical examinations are a requirement. The apprenticeship program is a means to obtain a degree from vocational up to Engineer and Master levels.
Contract Type
During apprenticeship: Temporary/limited Dow contract.
After successful graduation: Permanent or temporary positions.
Job points after graduation:
- Operations operators/mechanicians: 67
- Research & Development Technicians: 90
- Customer Service: 104
- Research & Development and Operations Engineers: 120
Timeline
- Sourcing: April/May
- Interviews: June
- Offers: July
- Onboarding: 1st September/1st October
