Apprenticeship is a form of alternating education combining :
1° Training in one or more companies, based on the performance of one or more professional activities directly related to the qualification covered by the contract between the apprentice and the employer ;
2° tuition provided during working hours in an apprentice training centre, some or all of which may be provided by distance learning.
The duration of training in the training centre takes into account the requirements specific to each level of qualification and the guidelines laid down by the national branch agreements or agreements concluded at other territorial levels mentioned in article L. 2261-23.
Subject, where applicable, to the rules laid down by the certification body for the vocational diploma or qualification in question, this duration may not be less than 25% of the total duration of the contract.
Apprenticeship training leading to a diploma is subject to pedagogical supervision involving inspectorates or public officials authorised by the certifying ministers and representatives appointed by the professional branches and consular chambers, in accordance with procedures laid down by decree in the Conseil d’Etat.