France has seen a massive rise in apprenticeships over the past few years, and there could be an important lesson for Malta. By the end of 2025, France had around 1,017,500 active apprenticeship contracts. The country also recorded approximately 846,700 new contracts during the year, compared to around 300,000 annually before 2018.

The growth followed major reforms introduced in 2018, alongside generous government incentives designed to encourage businesses to take on apprentices. In 2023 and 2024, eligible employers could receive up to €6,000 towards an apprentice’s first year of training.

But Malta faces a different challenge. The country already covers a large share of apprenticeship wages, yet employers have not always offered enough placements to meet student demand. And that is where France’s experience becomes particularly relevant.

France’s Apprenticeship Boom Is Starting To Slow Down

France’s apprenticeship system has expanded dramatically, but the latest figures show that growth is no longer guaranteed. New apprenticeship contracts fell by around 5% in 2025, according to French government statistics. The decline comes as the country reduces financial incentives for employers.

In 2025, the maximum hiring subsidy fell to €5,000 for smaller businesses and €2,000 for larger companies under the main support arrangements. Further changes took effect on 8th March 2026, introducing different levels of financial support depending on the apprentice’s qualification.

Under the latest rules, businesses with fewer than 250 employees can receive up to €5,000 for apprentices studying up to baccalauréat level. This falls to €4,500 for two-year diploma qualifications and €2,000 for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Larger businesses receive between €750 and €2,000, depending on the qualification level.

These payments generally cover the first year of an eligible apprenticeship. While the decline in new contracts comes alongside the subsidy cuts, the figures alone do not prove that reduced financial support caused the slowdown.

Apprenticeships In France Are No Longer Just About Traditional Trades

One of France’s biggest changes has been the expansion of apprenticeships into higher education. Traditionally associated with trades such as mechanics, baking and construction, apprenticeships are now also available through business schools, engineering programmes and university-level qualifications.

However, this part of the system is facing pressure. French education statistics recorded a 4.5% decline in higher-education apprentices at the end of 2025. This is significant because higher education has played an important role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the country.

For Malta, the trend raises an interesting question. Could more businesses in sectors such as finance, technology and engineering offer structured workplace training to students? France’s experience suggests that apprenticeships can extend well beyond traditional vocational industries.

What Can Malta Learn From France’s Apprenticeship System?

France’s experience highlights the wider value of workplace training. Apprenticeships help young people gain practical skills while studying, while also preparing them for employment across different industries.

French government research provides evidence of these benefits. Among apprentices who left vocational education programmes between CAP and BTS level in 2023, 73% were in salaried employment two years later. This suggests that apprenticeships can provide a valuable route into the labour market.

However, businesses must also invest time and resources in training students. This includes providing mentors, supervision and opportunities to develop practical skills. These responsibilities help explain why governments offer financial incentives to encourage employer participation.

Malta has already recognised the importance of this support, with the government covering a substantial share of apprenticeship wages.

Malta Already Covers Most Of An Apprentice’s Wage

Malta introduced its Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Act in 2018, establishing a legal framework for apprenticeships and workplace training. Under MCAST’s apprenticeship payment arrangements, eligible students receive at least the national minimum hourly wage for time spent at their workplace.

The payment is shared between the employer and the government. In 2025, the minimum hourly rate was €5.54. During the first year, employers contributed at least €1.43 per hour, while the government provided a top-up of €4.11. The employer’s minimum contribution increased to €1.50 in the second year and €2.12 in the third.

These figures apply to 2025 and are subject to annual revision. At those rates, the government covered approximately 74% of the minimum hourly payment for a first-year apprentice, representing significant financial support for participating businesses.

However, wages are not the only expense. Employers must also provide supervision, mentoring and time for students to learn. These responsibilities can create additional costs, particularly for smaller businesses with limited staff and resources.

MCAST Has Already Highlighted Malta’s Apprenticeship Shortage

Despite financial support, Malta has faced shortages of apprenticeship opportunities. In April 2024, MCAST appealed to employers to provide placements for another 800 students who needed workplace experience as part of their course requirements.

At the time, around 1,364 students had apprenticeship agreements with more than 498 companies. MCAST called on additional businesses to participate, highlighting the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and employers.

While these figures describe the situation in 2024 rather than a confirmed shortage today, they illustrate an important challenge for Malta’s education system. Financial incentives alone do not guarantee enough apprenticeship placements, particularly when businesses must also commit staff and resources to training.

For students whose courses include mandatory workplace experience, the availability of employers willing to participate can make a significant difference to their education.

Could Malta Expand Apprenticeships Into More Industries?

Malta’s apprenticeship system has traditionally focused on vocational education. The 2018 legislation provides a framework for apprenticeships at MQF Levels 3 and 4, while MCAST also offers workplace learning opportunities across different qualification levels and industries.

France’s experience suggests that expanding structured workplace training into higher education could create additional opportunities for Maltese students. Businesses in ICT, finance and engineering could play a greater role, particularly as these sectors already recruit graduates and skilled workers.

Offering apprenticeships could allow employers to develop future talent while giving students valuable industry experience before completing their qualifications. This could also help young people better understand workplace expectations and develop skills relevant to their chosen careers.

However, expanding opportunities would require more than financial incentives. Businesses would need suitable mentors, clear training plans and enough capacity to support students throughout their placements.

What Does This Mean For Maltese Students And Employers?

For students, apprenticeships offer an opportunity to earn money while developing practical skills and gaining experience in a professional environment. They can also help young people understand what employers expect before entering full-time employment.

Students considering an MCAST course should check whether workplace training forms part of their studies. Exploring potential apprenticeship placements early could also help them prepare for the practical requirements of their qualifications.

For businesses, the financial incentives can make taking on apprentices more affordable. At 2025 rates, a first-year apprentice required a minimum employer wage contribution of €1.43 per hour, although this does not include the wider costs of training, mentoring and supervision.

In return, employers have an opportunity to develop workers with skills suited to their industry. For Malta’s relatively small labour market, where businesses often compete for the same talent, this could provide a valuable way to build a future workforce.

Malta’s Biggest Apprenticeship Challenge May Be Employer Participation

France has demonstrated how government reform and financial incentives can help expand apprenticeship opportunities. However, its recent slowdown also shows that growth can be difficult to maintain, particularly when financial support changes.

Malta already provides substantial wage support for eligible apprentices. The challenge is making workplace training attractive and practical for more businesses, especially those that may struggle to dedicate staff to mentoring and supervision.

Improving employer guidance, strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and making mentorship easier to manage could all help encourage participation. Financial support remains important, but businesses must also see the long-term value of investing in young talent.

France’s experience offers a clear lesson for Malta: making apprenticeships affordable is important, but getting more employers to open their doors matters just as much.

Do you think more Maltese businesses should offer apprenticeship opportunities?