The Pôle Formation Haute-Savoie
Get to know us
Pole Formation Haute Savoie brings together four specialized training centers, supported by the UIMM (Union Intersyndicale des Métiers de la Métallurgie de Haute-Savoie), which represents more than 1,200 companies in the metalworking industry in the Haute Savoie region.
Located in the heart of the French Alps, between lakes and mountains, at the crossroads of Switzerland and Italy, our centers offer a unique learning environment combining technical excellence with an international outlook.
Our mission is to develop the skills industrial companies need in the region, preparing future professionals to face the challenges of tomorrow’s industry.
All our programs are delivered through apprenticeships, ensuring hands-on experience and a strong connection to the professional world.
AFPI school specializes in continuing vocational training for adults, employees, job seekers, self-employed workers, and business owners.
Key facts and figures
French Apprenticeship System
Apprenticeship in details
- Legal framework and eligibility
-
Apprenticeship (apprentissage in french) is strictly regulated by the French Labour Code.
Available to young people aged 15 to 29 (with some exceptions beyond 29 for specific cases).
- Dual training format
-
Combination of training in an Apprentice Training Centre ("Centre Formation des Apprentis" in french) and practical on-the-job training in a company.
- Contract duration
-
Apprenticeship contract lasts between 6 months and 3 years, depending on the qualification.
- Qualification levels
-
Qualifications (RNCP), from EQF level 3 (CAP) to EQF level 7 (Engineering degree).
*RNCP : The RNCP code is the official reference number for a qualification registered in France’s national register of professional certifications
- Employment status and contract structure
-
Apprentices are employees with a salary, social protection, paid holidays, and labour rights.
The contract legally binds three actors: the apprentice, the training centre (CFA), and the company.
Every apprentice must have a company to employ and train them.
- Governance and funding
-
The system is managed by: the State (legislation & public financial aid), companies (financing training costs), France Compétences (regulation), and social partners (definition of training costs by sector / qualification).
Benefits of apprenticeship
Apprenticeship bridges the gap between education and industry by:
- Aligning skills with labor market needs
- Strengthening school-company collaboration
- Enhancing employability and lifelong learning
- Supporting digital, green, and international transitions
Fields of study at Pôle Formation Haute-Savoie
- Automation
- Robotics
- Industrial IT
- Cybersecurity
- Industrial IT
- Information Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrotechnics
- Energy and Renewable Technologies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production
- Machining
- Precision Engineering
- Maintenance
- Microtechnologies
- Physical Measurements
- Metrology
- Instrumentation
- Industrial Performance
- QHSE
- Management
- Technical Sales Engineer
- Building
- Construction
- Medical equipment technology
- Maintenance
- Medical instrumentation
Diplomas and European equivalences
In France, a qualification is called a national diploma when it is officially recognised, that is, accredited by the State.
This recognition is a guarantee of quality. It applies to the following diplomas: vocational baccalauréat (bac pro), BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur – Advanced Technician Diploma), Licence (Bachelor’s degree), Master’s degree and the diplôme d’ingénieur (engineering degree).
When a diploma is not recognised by the State, it bears the name of the institution that awards it. It may have value on the labour market, but it does not provide officially recognised equivalence for further study.
The diplomas in details
Vocational baccalauréat (BAC)
This program combines technical training with hands-on practice in technical workshops and 18–22 weeks in-company.
Placements are supervised by a company tutor and monitored by the teaching team through regular visits.
Students also follow general education courses to strengthen their core skills.
Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS)
The BTS is a French national higher education diploma at level 5 of the national qualifications framework.
It is a two-year program after the baccalauréat, with selective admission and an intensive workload.
Highly profession-oriented, it offers over 100 specializations in various fields.
Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT)
Three-year programs delivered in by an IUT (University Institute of Technology), an internal structure of the university, awarding a nationally recognized Bachelor’s-level diploma.
The university provides 24 specializations offering skills-based and project-oriented teachings.
Licence professionnelle
The professional licence is a national Bachelor’s-level diploma (bac+3, level 6 – 180 ECTS) awarded by universities, with a diploma supplement describing the associated skills.
Flexible in length, it allows students to earn 60 to 180 ECTS over 1 to 3 years via professionally oriented pathways.
Ingénieur
Around 200 accredited schools, including some university departments, offer programs leading to the Diplôme d’ingénieur.
This national engineering degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree and gives access to doctoral studies.
European Recognition and Mobility
Contact for more information :
Elodie Hureau - International mobility manager
+33 7 85 58 16 65
