Melissa If you have ever looked for financing for a professional training to boost your skills, you know that there are plenty of financing options… but figuring it all out is another story! Between the Personal Training Account (CPF), the France Travail aids (formerly Pôle Emploi), and regional aids, the choices are vast, and each option has its specifics. Don’t worry, in this article, we’ll guide you step by step to find the help that best suits your profile and your projects, in a casual manner, of course!
The main financing mechanisms
Here are the big stars of training financing in France: the CPF, France Travail aids, regional aids, and the Training Insurance Fund (FAF) for the self-employed. We’ll decode all that for you!
The Personal Training Account (CPF)
Ah, the CPF… This acronym is on everyone’s lips as soon as training is mentioned. If you have worked even a little, you have probably accumulated training hours in this account. Basically, the CPF allows you to finance training up to the amount available in your balance, which you can easily check on the official site Mon Compte Formation. Whether you are an employee, self-employed, or in retraining, the CPF is a solid foundation.
How to use it?
- Log in to your CPF account.
- Search for an eligible training.
- Validate your financing directly from the platform.
Tip: If your balance does not cover the entire training, you can supplement it with other aids, like those from France Travail!
The France Travail aids (formerly Pôle Emploi)
If you are registered as a job seeker, France Travail offers several tailored aids, especially for those in retraining or looking to develop their skills to better meet market needs. Here are the most popular:
- Conventionally Funded Training Action (AFC): funded by France Travail, ideal for quickly acquiring specific skills.
- Individual Training Aid (AIF): it supplements your financing if no other mechanism is sufficient.
- Employment Skills Pathway: for individuals who need a little boost to (re)find a job.
These mechanisms are there to support you, but don’t hesitate to contact a France Travail advisor to fully understand what would suit you best.
Regional and local aids
Depending on your region, you may have access to specific aids for training. For example, several regions offer Regional Training Programs (PRF) that fully finance certain targeted trainings, depending on local needs.
Table of popular regional mechanisms:
| Region | Funded training program | Target audience |
|---|---|---|
| Île-de-France | Regional Training Program (PRF) | Job seekers |
| Bretagne | Brittany Skills Pass | Employees and job seekers |
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Avenir Pro scheme | All audiences |
Advice: check with your Regional Council, they often have lesser-known aids that could make all the difference for your project.
The Training Insurance Fund (FAF) for the self-employed
If you are self-employed, know that you also have the right to train without emptying your bank account! The Training Insurance Funds (FAF) cover part or all of the costs. Each FAF is dedicated to a specific sector (like the FIF-PL for liberal professions or AGEFICE for merchants). Make sure to research the FAF corresponding to your sector to benefit from this aid.
Complementary aids for specific cases
Let’s continue with some lesser-known, but super practical aids for specific cases. Because sometimes, all it takes is to find the right aid at the right time!
The Individual Training Aid (AIF)
You found your dream training, but all existing aids do not cover the costs? The Individual Training Aid (AIF) is here for you. In collaboration with the regions, France Travail offers this aid for trainings related to your personalized employment access project (PPAE). Handy, right?
How to benefit from it?
- Request a quote from the training organization.
- Send it to your France Travail advisor.
- Once approved, the costs are covered directly!
Employment skills pathway for young people and job seekers
If you are young and struggling to find a job, the Employment Skills Pathway can give you a serious helping hand. With the help of Pôle Emploi or the Local Mission, this program guides you towards training, combining work and learning.
Who is it for?
Mainly for long-term job seekers, this mechanism allows you to train while receiving a salary (minimum SMIC) during a work contract of at least 9 months.
How to choose the right mechanism for your profile?
The choice of mechanism depends on your professional status and your career goals. No panic, here are some tips to clarify things!
Employees on permanent, temporary, or interim contracts
As an employee, you can use the CPF to finance your training, but there are other options:
- Skills Development Plan: offered by your employer, it allows you to take training directly related to your position.
- Pro-A: a support for employees wishing to retrain or upskill without leaving their company.
Self-employed workers
If you work for yourself, the FAF is your ally. Generally, you just need to prove your affiliation to the corresponding fund to unlock aid.
Job seekers
France Travail is your starting point. The CPF, AFC, AIF, and of course the Employment Skills Pathway are all avenues to explore for finding financing that aligns with your needs.
Tips to maximize your chances of financing
Once you have identified the mechanism(s) that suit you, it’s time to refine your strategy. Here are some tips to increase your chances.
- Combine aids: several mechanisms can complement each other, like the CPF with a regional aid.
- Contact a career development advisor (CEP): they can guide you toward financing that fits your project.
- Carefully prepare your file: detailed quote, employment proof… The more complete your file is, the better your chances of obtaining the desired aid.
Table of main mechanisms and combination tips:
| Main mechanism | Possible combination with | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| CPF | Regional aids, AIF | Check your balance on Mon Compte Formation |
| AIF | Regional mechanisms, FAF | Request a precise quote to optimize |
| Pro-A | CPF | Ideal for retraining into a permanent contract |
There you go, you are now equipped to find the training financing that perfectly matches your needs! Don’t forget that each situation is unique, and it’s better to get good information from the relevant organizations to maximize your chances.
So, what are you waiting for to transform your professional future? Share this article with your friends who are struggling to finance their training and discover even more tips by checking out our guides on the available financing for your training projects.
