You’ve just passed your high school diploma or are considering a BTS (Bachelor’s Degree), and now a crucial question crosses your mind: should you choose a work-study program or initial training? This choice is not trivial. It’s a real turning point that will impact your learning style, your daily life, and even your future career. A work-study program immerses you directly in the world of work, combining academic courses and corporate experience. Initial training, on the other hand, gives you more opportunity to focus on theory, maintaining a traditional academic schedule, with more time for yourself and your personal projects. Moreover, with a BTS (Bachelor’s Degree), whether through a work-study program or initial training, you obtain a recognized and sought-after BAC+2 diploma, but the paths and experiences are very different. In this article, we’ll dissect these two training methods, ask the right questions, and provide you with the keys to making the best choice—the one that truly suits you. We’ll also discuss what employers expect, organizational differences, opportunities after the BTS, and even how to best prepare your resume or work-study application. So, ready to shed some light on all this?
Find out everything about the BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur), a recognized French diploma, its training programs, its benefits, and the career opportunities it offers. Get ready to boost your career by learning more about this high-quality program.
Do you want to adopt a traditional school or high school schedule, with the majority of time devoted to acquiring knowledge? Then the BTS initial training program is for you. It’s a program focused on theoretical education, where nearly 80% of the time is spent in class. If you want to delve deeper into a field, discover the solid foundations of a discipline without necessarily entering the job market directly, this is a wise choice.
What does initial training actually look like? You attend classes all week in a school, often public or private. The professional component is generally limited to short internships, about 20% of the training time, which provide a taste of the business world. These internships are often mandatory but remain limited in time, which makes the organization more flexible, especially if you want to save time for a student job or community involvement.
📚 Traditional school schedule, relatively relaxed. 👩🏫 Strong focus on theoretical courses.
- 💼 Short and limited internships, encouraging professional development.
- 🎓 Student status, with access to school holidays.
- 💸 Self-financing possible depending on the institution (private/public).
- Many educational institutions offer this BTS: public high schools, universities, or specialized schools. The financial investment can vary – in the private sector, tuition fees can be significant, while in the public sector, it’s often covered.
- A strong point of the initial training is the time available for your personal development. You can get involved in projects, associations, or even take out a student job to help you financially. If you prefer to focus on learning, adjusting your pace will suit you perfectly.
Advantages 📌
Disadvantages ⚠️
| Preferred time for theoretical courses | Little direct professional experience |
|---|---|
| School holidays to take a break | No salary during the program |
| Flexible organization for other commitments | Tuition fees available in private schools |
| To learn more about other BTS programs in initial training or outside of Parcoursup, you can take a look at this very useful resource: | BTS outside Parcoursup |
. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwR32H6CEG8What are the advantages of a work-study BTS program for your career?
Work-study training is ideal for people who want to learn by doing. Professional skills develop quickly, and what’s more, you earn a regular salary through an apprenticeship or professionalization contract. These contracts have their own specificities, but overall, they grant you employee rights as well as obligations. Therefore, work-study programs can be more demanding in terms of work schedule, combining work in a company and preparing for courses.
💰 Guaranteed monthly salary during the training.
🏢 Extended immersion in a company. 📈 Rapid acquisition of professional skills. 🕐 A sustained work-school schedule. 📝 Opportunity to establish a solid initial professional network.The pace can vary depending on the institution and sector, but it often consists of one week in class, followed by one week in a company, or in some cases, three weeks in a company and one week of classes. This intense pace requires good organization and genuine motivation.
- If you’d like to learn more about the difference between an apprenticeship and a professional development contract, click here:
- Termination of an apprenticeship contract
- .
- Strengths 🚀
- Challenges to consider ⚠️
Salary with employee status
More intense and demanding pace Experience valued for future hiringProfessional obligations to be met
| Start of a professional network right from the training | Less free time for personal projects |
|---|---|
| Work-study programs are also available at all levels, from vocational certificates to master’s degrees, demonstrating their flexibility and adaptability. By pursuing a BTS in insurance, banking, or international trade, you have all the tools you need to build a real career. Discover here: | After a BTS in Insurance |
| and | After a BTS in International Trade |
| . | Discover the BTS, a recognized diploma in France that allows you to specialize in various professional fields. Find out about training, career opportunities, and advice for success in your academic and professional career. |
Apprenticeship or Professionalization: Which Work-Study Contracts Should You Choose? When you opt for a BTS in work-study, you should know that two main contracts are available to you. These are the apprenticeship contract and theprofessionalization contract
Apprenticeship contracts are often preferred by young people aged 16 to 29. They are designed to learn a trade by alternating theory and practice. The employer benefits from tax advantages, and financially, this contract is very advantageous for the apprentice, as they can benefit from progressive compensation based on their age and year of training.
The professionalization contract, on the other hand, targets a wider audience, including slightly older people or those in retraining. It is primarily focused on professional integration or reintegration. Compensation is also provided, with a salary based on a percentage of the minimum wage or the collectively agreed minimum wage. 👨🎓 Apprenticeship contract: mainly young people in initial training. 🔄 Professionalization contract: also intended for adults in retraining. 🏷️ Progressive compensation based on age and qualifications.📅 Generally the same duration, between 6 months and 3 years. 💼 Personalized support from a company tutor.
The type of contract you choose will depend on your personal situation, your goals, and the type of company you’re working for. To best prepare for a work-study program or internship, optimizing your CV is essential:
How to optimize your CV?
- Apprenticeship contract 🎓
- Professionalization contract 🔄
- Mainly young people aged 16-29
- Adults in career change or young people
- Progressive pay based on age
Pay based on minimum wage or collective agreement Support from an apprenticeship supervisor Personalized in-company support
| Objective: Initial qualifying training | Objective: Professional integration or reintegration |
|---|---|
| The choice between these two contracts should be made based on your aspirations and situation. It is therefore very important to discuss with your future employer and your school to fully understand the implications. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jb5QRWUww4 |
| How does the initial BTS training prepare you for solid personal development? | Beyond the technical and professional content, the initial BTS training provides a framework conducive to significant personal development. It’s a time for you to reflect on your long-term career path without the immediate pressure of having to run a business. |
| In a school setting, you have more freedom to pursue projects, engage in community activities, or take the time to explore additional options. These experiences enrich not only your CV but also your personal profile, which is an undeniable asset. | 🧠 Time to better understand your interests and aspirations. |
| 🤝 Opportunities for involvement in student associations. | 📖 More in-depth academic support. |
🗣️ Development of transferable skills (communication, time management).
Baccalaureate two-year accounting program and options
.
Aspects of Personal Development 🌱
- Benefits for the Student 🎯
- Time for introspection and orientation
- Clearer choice of career plans
- Social and extracurricular activities
- Building an open and dynamic profile
Personalized academic support Better understanding of coursesHolidays and free time
| Recovery and burnout prevention | To deepen your knowledge of flexible pathways, also discover the online BTS program, which combines ultimate training and flexible schedules: |
|---|---|
| Online BTS: Flexible Pathway | . |
| How should you organize yourself to succeed in a work-study BTS program? | Starting a work-study BTS program requires rigorous organization. Because alternating school and work means juggling two worlds with different demands. The key? Time management. If you’re not organized, the pace can quickly become overwhelming. |
| To succeed, you need to adopt a few best practices: | 📅 Plan your schedule: anticipate class periods and company assignments. |
| ✏️ Take notes during class to save time for review later. | 🤝 Communicate regularly with your company tutor and your designated professor. |
🔄 Make the connection between theoretical and practical lessons. 🌿 Take time for yourself, avoid overwork.A work-study BTS program doesn’t leave much free time, but it’s quite practical for quickly exposing yourself to the professional world. This intensity also promotes personal development “on the job,” which is hard to find elsewhere. To better prepare yourself, these tips for presenting your CV well before a work-study program could be of great help:
optimizing your CV
.
Best practices for work-study programs ⏳
- Expected results 🎯
- Anticipation and planning
- Stress reduction
- Effective communication
- Better integration into the company
Practical application of courses Rapid skill acquisitionPersonal time management
| Burnout prevention | What opportunities are there after a BTS (introductory or work-study)? |
|---|---|
| When it comes to careers, the question often gets asked: what to do after the BTS? The answer will depend on your chosen career path, but also on your aspirations. The BTS is a professional diploma designed to facilitate entry into the workforce. However, if you prefer to continue your studies, both training options open doors for you. | The work-study BTS program has the advantage of positioning you comfortably in the professional world. You join a company directly, take your first steps there, and often, if your profile is appealing, you obtain a permanent contract. It’s therefore a direct springboard to employment. This is true in several sectors, including commerce, accounting, tourism, and notaries. Find out what to do after a BTS in Notaries: |
| BTS in Notaries | . |
| Initial training, on the other hand, is popular with those who want to continue, particularly with a professional degree or further studies in the same field. This allows you to deepen your skills, or even move into research or specialization. Some BTS programs are also ideal for continuing after graduation: for example, the BTS in Accounting can lead to Bac+3 programs: | Bac+2 accounting programs and options |
| . | 🚀 Work-study program: rapid professional integration and possible permanent contract. 🎓 Initial: Continuing studies are often preferred. |
📚 Additional training to specialize your knowledge.
🌐 Various sectors are accessible depending on the chosen BTS specialty.
After a BTS in work-study 🔥 After a BTS in initial training 🌿Direct entry into a company
Continuation with a professional degree Quick permanent contract opportunityPossibility of specialization or research
- Experience valued in the job market
- In-depth theoretical knowledge of the profession
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHrI-QlonKY
- The impact of work-study and initial training on skills
| At the heart of your training, the professional and personal skills you gain are fundamental. Whatever your path, the BTS aims to provide you with a solid foundation. But the path to get there is different. | In initial training, you benefit from a longer, more theoretical learning phase. You will thoroughly assimilate the knowledge related to your field, which promotes more balanced and comprehensive thinking. It’s perfect for those who like to understand concepts in detail before applying them. |
|---|---|
| With work-study, it’s a more pragmatic approach. Learning takes place in real-life situations, with responsibilities, mistakes, and team dynamics. It develops both technical and soft skills, such as stress management, communication, and the ability to quickly adapt to a professional environment. | 📘 Initial training: in-depth theoretical expertise. |
| 🛠 Work-study: enhanced practical skills. | 🤝 Work-study: development of professional soft skills. |
| 🎯 Initial training: opportunity to explore different concepts and theories. | 💼 Work-study: immediate immersion in varied professional contexts. Initial Training Skills 🎓 |
In-depth theoretical mastery
Direct application in the workplace
Development of critical thinking
Management of real-life situations
- Focus on academic knowledge
- Acquisition of transversal skills
- Time for personal projects and further study
- Development of a professional network
- For those who are wondering, the work-study options for a BTS in International Trade are interesting for developing a highly sought-after, well-rounded profile:
| BTS in International Trade | . |
|---|---|
| Discover everything about the BTS: training, specializations, career opportunities, and advice for a successful career. Explore the keys to success in the world of work with a BTS. | What personal criteria should you use to choose between a work-study program and an initial BTS program? |
| Choosing between a work-study program and initial training isn’t just a matter of considering the pros and cons. It’s also a matter of profile, personality, ambitions, and resources. | Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself to help you get a clearer picture: |
| 🤔 Do I need a salary while I study? | 🧩 Am I able to organize myself to manage a sometimes intense pace? |
| 🔍 Is it discovering a career and gaining practical experience that I’m primarily looking for? | 🎯 Do my career plans require practical training or more academic training? |
📍 Do I have time to dedicate solely to my studies, or should I divide it between a job or other activities? The answers to these questions will guide you toward the type of education that’s best for you. Choosing not just a training method, but also a way to plan your career. Work-study profile 🛠Initial training profile 📚
Available for a more flexible schedule
Likes to learn by doing
Prefers an in-depth theoretical approach
- Good organizational skills
- Wants more time for hobbies and personal projects
- Strong motivation to enter the job market quickly
- Plans for long or specialized studies
- Finally, many studies show that a successful work-study program is based primarily on personal motivation, more than on the initial path. Your mindset is the key to success. For inspiration, discover the story of a BTS Tourism apprentice in a work-study program here:
BTS Tourism work-study program
| . | FAQ on choosing between a work-study program and initial training in a BTS |
|---|---|
| Q1: Is a BTS work-study program more difficult than initial training? | The pace is indeed faster in a work-study program, with a dual schedule of school and work. But with organization, this challenge is entirely surmountable. |
| Q2: Can I change my training method during my BTS? | This is sometimes possible depending on the institution, but it depends on availability and company contracts. It’s best to plan this choice from the outset. |
| Q3: What is the average salary for a BTS work-study program? | The salary depends on the contract, age, and year of study. On average, it ranges between €600 and €1,100 per month in 2025. |
| Q4: Can you continue your studies after a BTS work-study program? | Yes, work-study programs don’t preclude further studies, whether for a professional degree, a specialized school, or even a Master’s degree. |
Q5: Does initial training offer more free time? Indeed, initial training allows for a more flexible schedule, with school holidays and fewer time constraints.