Looking for a work-study placement for September 2026? Good news: the market is picking up again. The skills operator Akto published its annual report on 19 June 2026, confirming a rebound in the first half of 2026 after a lacklustre 2025.
In short: the work-study market stagnated in 2025, held back by cautious employers, then rebounded in early 2026. The underlying momentum remains solid — France had more than one million apprenticeship contracts in progress at the end of 2024 (1.05 million) and nearly 890,000 new contracts signed over the year. To make the most of it, target the sectors that are hiring and start your applications without delay.
What does the 2026 Akto report say?
Akto, which covers 32 professional branches and more than 300,000 companies, describes a "contrasting" market. In 2025, the economic slowdown and uncertainty over funding made employers cautious. Retail, hospitality and industry all slowed down.
In the first half of 2026, the trend reversed. Three factors explain this upturn:
- the renewal of hiring incentives for apprentices, which restored employer confidence;
- the emergence of new jobs linked to digital technology and the ecological transition;
- stronger communication about the benefits of work-study, whose job placement rates remain higher than those of traditional academic paths.
Rebound periods are windows of opportunity: they close quickly. It is better to apply early and widely than to wait for the new term.
Which sectors hire the most in 2026?
Some fields face structural recruitment tensions that make work-study easier to access. These are your best leads:
| Sector | Examples of growth jobs |
|---|---|
| Digital & data | developer, cybersecurity, data analyst |
| Healthcare & social care | care assistant, social support worker |
| Ecological transition | energy renovation, eco-design |
| Personal services | early childhood, home care |
To go further, explore our overview of the companies hiring work-study students in 2026 and review the work-study careers to spot those that match your profile.
How do you turn this rebound into a signed contract?
The market is recovering, but it remains selective. Four habits to give yourself the best chance:
- Be responsive. Check the work-study offers every week: May to July is the richest period for a September start.
- Target growth sectors rather than applying at random: a field under tension multiplies your chances.
- Multiply spontaneous applications. Many work-study roles are never advertised; contact companies in your sector directly.
- Polish your plan. A clear career goal and a coherent CV count for more than the sheer number of applications sent.
Remember too that you are not alone in funding your path: the cost of training is covered, and several financial aids (housing, mobility, equipment) top up your pay. Before signing, estimate your future salary with our pay calculator.
The 2026 rebound is a real opportunity — provided you seize it now. The earlier you apply, the more choice you have.