Recruiting an apprentice (apprentice or professional training contract) almost always involves a key player on the funding side:your OPCO
The OPCO is the accredited joint body thatfinances apprenticeships, supports companies inskills management and serves as aone-stop shop for the administrative registration of contracts (apprenticeship/professional training) according to national regulations.
This page helps you to understandthe role of OPCOs,identifyyour OPCO,grasp the principle ofNPEC (levels of support),know theprocedures(CERFA form + training agreement),choose betweendirect management or delegation to Istec, and anticipate international mobility (provisions / possible aid).
Skills Operators (OPCOs) finance apprenticeship and professional training contracts according to rules set by industry sectors. They provide technical support for workforce planning, training, and skills management.
In practice, the OPCO depends on your collective bargaining agreement (IDCC) and/or your sector of activity. Three common methods are recommended:
• Find the OPCO using the SIRET number (using a tool like “CFA Dock”)
• Find the OPCO using an IDCC → OPCO lookup table
• Alternatively, use the list of OPCOs by area of expertise
The NPEC (Support Level) corresponds to the annual amount (often called the contract cost) that serves as the basis for financing an apprenticeship contract. Its amount is set by the professional sectors (per certification/diploma): it is then allocated through the OPCO (Skills Operator).
Some useful points:
• The NPEC is linked to the certification being pursued (title/diploma) and is expressed as an annual amount.
• The sectors submit their levels to France Compétences, which issues recommendations for convergence and publishes a framework.
• The OPCO finances the CFA (Apprenticeship Training Center) according to this level; the company does not negotiate a free rate as in traditional training, because the framework is governed by sector rules and the framework.
You can manage this internally:
• Identifying the OPCO (Skills Operator)
• Completing the CERFA form and supporting documents
• Electronic submission / communication with the OPCO
• Monitoring the 20-day deadline and processing any additional information
• Implementing the elements related to apprenticeships
This is relevant if you already have a robust HR process for apprenticeships and a dedicated contact person.
To simplify the process, Istec can support you from start to finish:
• OPCO/IDCC verification / applicable regulations
• Contract file preparation
• Submission and exchange of completeness information
• Ensuring deadlines are met
• Coordination between school, company, and apprentice, and follow-up meetings
This delegation can be formalized in the agreement, according to the ministerial model.
Beyond the NPEC (National Professional Training Account), certain expenses may be covered by the OPCO (Skills Operator) depending on the sector: equipment, accommodation, meals, etc. These costs must be anticipated and included from the outset in the contract preparation to avoid any discrepancies between forecasts and actual funding. A preliminary skills assessment is strongly recommended to ensure these points are covered.
European or international mobility for apprentices can also be arranged through a secondment or placement agreement. The OPCO may cover all or part of the mobility-related expenses, according to specific terms and the limits set by each OPCO. Among the available resources:
• Opco EP: support mechanisms and a “mobility advisor”
• Opco Mobilités: mobility allowances/caps and a mobility advisor
• Atlas: pages dedicated to mobility financing
Our recommendation: integrate all mobility considerations from the outset of the journey planning process rather than addressing them as needed.
Do you want to ensure you identify the appropriate OPCO (Skills Operator), submit a seamless contract, or completely delegate your apprenticeship formalities?
Istec supports you every step of the way. Send us your SIRET or IDCC number along with the job description, and we’ll arrange a qualification exchange to quickly launch the process and provide comprehensive support.
