Initial vs. work-study: which to choose, depending on your profile and professional goals?

Orientation
Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Understanding the issues involved in choosing between initial and sandwich courses

The choice between initial training and sandwich courses can influence an entire career. Each format has its advantages, but to choose the one that's right for you, it's essential to understand the specifics.

Initial training and sandwich courses: two very different teaching models

Initial training allows you to devote yourself full-time to learning, while keeping some free time to organize according to your priorities.Alternance training, on the other hand, combines work and training in a professional, often more structured setting.

At Crews, the rhythm is identical for both formats: 1 week of training per month. This means that work-study students spend 3 weeks on the job, while trainees in initial training have this time available for other projects.

Initial training or work-linked training: choose according to your lifestyle and plans

Initial training, a precious freedom to personalize your career path

With only 1 week of lessons per month, the initial format at Crews leaves 3 weeks of monthly freedom. This time can be used for :

  • Make progress on projects to be handed in
  • A student job or freelance activity
  • Short internships or one-off assignments
  • Travel, community involvement, time for yourself
  • Work on an entrepreneurial or creative project

This format is ideal for those who want to learn at their own pace, with flexibility and without the obligations of a host company.

Work-study programs as a springboard to the job market

Work-study programs enable students to put their acquired skills into practice immediately. With 3 weeks on the job each month, this format favors professional integration and increased autonomy.

It's also a 100% company-financed model, with monthly remuneration, making it an attractive option for people undergoing retraining, young graduates or profiles looking for stability.

Beware, however, of the workload, which is more demanding in a sandwich course, as you have to be able to reconcile your training with the work you have to do in connection with it, as well as your work in the company. You need to be well organized to be effective.

With this dual status as student and employee, they have the same rights and duties as an employee. Students on work-study contracts are entitled to 5 weeks paid vacation per year.

Finally, both formats follow the same rhythm at Crews: one week of courses per month. In initial training, this gives the learner a great deal of autonomy in terms of time management. In a sandwich course, the learner is required to invest in a partner company.

Initial training or work-linked training: what are your short- and long-term professional objectives?

In-depth specialization through initial training

Initial training encourages intellectual immersion and concentration on learning. It is particularly suited to those who wish to :

  • Retrain without immediate pressure from an employer
  • Deepen their skills before applying for a job
  • Work on personal projects in parallel

This format can be a real gas pedal, especially when it's intensive and well-structured, like the courses offered at Crews.

Rooted in the field through work-study programs

For those who want to get a foot in the door of the professional world right away, a work-study program is an ideal format.

It offers concrete, progressive immersion in the world of work, alongside the acquisition of academic knowledge. By working within a company for the duration of the course, students develop practical skills, learn to manage real responsibilities, adapt to operational challenges, and respect the expectations of the professional world.

Work-study programs also enable you to build up a solid network right from the start: colleagues, tutors, managers and customers all become useful contacts for the rest of your career. This closeness to the field is also conducive to greater employability: according to several studies, a large number of work-study students are recruited by their host company at the end of their contract, or find a job very quickly thanks to their experience.

Cost of initial and sandwich courses

Work-study training is fully funded by the employer. There are no remaining expenses for students who have signed a work-study contract. The training is 100% free for the learner. They also receive a monthly salary, in line with their dual status as student and employee, based on a statutory minimum wage defined as a percentage of the SMIC, depending on the age of the trainee.

For students in initial training, training can be financed by a personal loan, by OPCOs or France Travail, depending on the context.

Make an informed choice based on your profile and ambitions

At Crews, every learner benefits from personalized support when choosing between sandwich courses and initial training. The right format is the one that allows you to learn effectively, while respecting your lifestyle, resources and pace.

FAQ - Initial or sandwich training

Is initial training compatible with a professional activity?

At Crews, yes, because the rhythm is 1 week of courses per month, which means you can work the rest of the time if you wish, or freelance and set up your own business for those who wish.

Is work-study possible for people undergoing retraining?

Yes, in fact, it's an excellent way to train and enter the market smoothly. Beware, however, of the age limits imposed by apprenticeship contracts.

Which format is best suited to rapid skills development?

Initial training allows you to concentrate fully and make rapid progress, while sandwich courses let you practice your new skills on the job. To make the right choice, you need to define your objectives.

Do we get paid for initial or sandwich training?

In a sandwich course, the learner is salaried and paid on a monthly basis, even during training time. It is, however, possible to have a paid job on top of your training.

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