Trésor-Info - Publications de la direction générale du Trésor - Occupational-trainingFlux de publication de la direction générale du Trésor - Occupational-trainingFluxArticlesTag-Occupational-trainingCopyright 20262026-06-30T00:00:00+02:00/favicon.pngDirection générale du Trésorhttps://localhost/sitepublic/contact@dgtresor.gouv.frb58927bc-e58d-488e-b89c-d02f3d9447d5Artificial Intelligence and Its Effects on EmploymentThe rise of generative artificial intelligence is raising questions about its effects on employment. From substitution at work to productivity gains that could stimulate demand for labour, the aggregate net effect is still uncertain, with certain workers at risk. At a time when France risks falling behind competitively, public authorities will need to provide support to facilitate AI’s adoption and the occupational transition of affected workers.2026-06-30T00:00:00+02:00<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities have rapidly advanced with the rise of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, offering new opportunities for automation in every industry of the economy. </p>
<p>As with previous technological revolutions, AI has provoked unease: according to the <em>Baromètre du numérique</em> 2025, a survey on the use of digital technologies, 62% of French people think it puts jobs at risk. </p>
<p>AI may affect the volume of employment through two opposing channels: (i) it could replace some workers whose tasks can be automated, and (ii) it could increase worker productivity and stimulate labour demand. </p>
<p>Empirical studies cannot determine the total effect of AI on employment, due to a lack of temporal perspective and the fact that AI adoption by firms remains modest. However, certain trends could be linked to the emergence of AI. The first rounds of redundancies attributable to AI are mainly in the most exposed industries (finance and IT), although AI adoption is sometimes used as a cover for other reasons for redundancies. Furthermore, there appears to be a slowdown in the employment of young workers.</p>
<p>During previous technological revolutions, the jobs created by new technologies offset those lost, and the nature of work was deeply transformed. In light of this, public policy measures must provide support, particularly in the area of training, to workers so they can retrain when their jobs are put at risk by AI, and foster AI’s diffusion across the economy.</p>
<p>In a globally competitive environment, investing in AI is necessary to support competitiveness – and therefore employment – as remaining competitive will be increasingly tied to the adoption of AI.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="marge" src="/Articles/b58927bc-e58d-488e-b89c-d02f3d9447d5/images/070b93f6-3d32-4747-b04f-f04cf3526307" alt="Visuel TE-391en" /></p>0a16fab0-e5cd-45bc-bd5c-86e1544d9e62The Outcomes and Objectives of Apprenticeships in FranceApprenticeship has grown sharply in popularity since 2018, driven by the deregulation of the system and increased government funding. Their growth has come alongside more diverse profiles, with apprentices often studying in higher education and more employers operating in the service sector. Apprenticeship facilitates the school-to-work transition, particularly at the occupational certification and secondary vocational school levels, but their impact is more limited at higher degree levels.2025-11-25T00:00:00+01:00<p>In France, apprenticeships in secondary and higher education settings combine on-the-job training with formal learning at an apprentice training centre. At the end of the training period, apprentices obtain an occupational qualification, such as a diploma, degree or other occupational certification. Apprenticeships are meant to foster the employability of young graduates.</p>
<p>Since the 2018 reform of the system, apprenticeships have grown sharply in popularity among students pursuing their education. 879,000 new apprenticeship contracts were signed in 2024, compared to 306,000 in 2017, bringing the number of apprentices with an ongoing contract to one million at the end of 2024. This expansion was facilitated by the deregulation of the programmes offered by apprentice training centres. It was also bolstered by more flexible rules for contracts and the introduction of a government single subsidy scheme for employers of apprentices.</p>
<p>The sharp increase in apprenticeships has come with an almost tripled cost for the public purse. In 2023, the cost to public finances reached around €15bn, or €14,700 per apprentice. This level of government support is considerably higher than that of other European countries where apprenticeships are deeply rooted, such as Germany. Adjustments to apprenticeship support schemes in 2025 will help to curb their cost.</p>
<p>The rise in apprenticeships has occurred alongside major changes in the profiles of apprentices, who are now more likely to be students in higher education than in secondary school, and of employers, with a shift towards the service sector.</p>
<p>Apprenticeships are associated with an overall smoother transition from school to work for young people compared to academic-track students not doing an apprenticeship. For young people having obtained an occupational certification (certificat d’aptitude professionnelle – CAP) in 2021, 63% of apprentices were employed 18 months after their apprenticeship, compared to just 36% of academic-track students. This impact is less marked, however, as a person’s education level rises, and appears to be minimal at the master’s level.</p>
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