Changing company, ending a situation that is not working, or reacting to a failing employer: ending an apprenticeship contract is a right, but the procedure depends on when and why. Here is what you need to know in 2026 to do it by the book and get going again quickly.
In short: during the first 45 days of practical training in the company, the contract can be ended freely and without a reason, simply in writing. After that, it can only end by mutual agreement, by the apprentice's resignation after referral to the apprenticeship mediator, or by dismissal on a ground provided for by law. After the contract ends, you can stay at the CFA for up to 6 months with the status of vocational training trainee while you find a new company.
For the general rules of the contract (age, length, pay, rights, formalities), see our complete guide to the apprenticeship contract.
What are the rules during the trial period?
The apprenticeship contract includes a 45-day period during which either party can end it freely. Important point: these are 45 days, consecutive or not, of practical training in the company, meaning the days actually spent in the company, not 45 calendar days. Time spent at the CFA does not count.
During this period, ending the contract is free, with no reason and no compensation. Both the employer and the apprentice can end it in writing, notified to the director of the CFA and to the OPCO that received the contract. It is the simplest window to part ways if the job does not match what was promised.
How do you end the contract after the trial period?
Once the 45 days have passed, ending the contract becomes regulated. Several routes exist depending on the situation:
- Mutual agreement: employer and apprentice sign a written document recording the termination together. It is the fastest route when both parties agree.
- Resignation by the apprentice: for contracts signed since 1 January 2019, the apprentice can resign, but a specific procedure applies (see below).
- Obtaining the diploma early: the apprentice can end the contract if they obtain their diploma before the planned end date, by informing the employer in writing at least one month in advance.
- Dismissal by the employer: only for force majeure, serious misconduct, unfitness for work certified by the occupational doctor (with no obligation to offer redeployment), permanent exclusion from the CFA, or death of the employer acting as apprenticeship supervisor in a one-person business. The dismissal procedure for personal reasons (preliminary interview, reasoned letter) applies.
- Compulsory liquidation: if the company is liquidated without continuing its business, the liquidator can end the contract; the apprentice is entitled to compensation at least equal to the pay they would have received until the end of the contract.
Resignation: going through the mediator is mandatory
This is the step many apprentices are unaware of. To resign after the trial period, you must refer the matter to the apprenticeship mediator attached to your consular chamber (CCI, Chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat, or Chambre d'agriculture). This referral is free and mandatory. If you are a minor, the termination document must also be signed by your legal representative.
The timeline to follow:
- You refer the matter to the apprenticeship mediator (who has at most 15 calendar days to act).
- You then inform your employer, at least 5 calendar days after the referral.
- The contract can only end at least 7 calendar days after the employer has been informed.
Without first going through the mediator, an apprentice's resignation is not legally valid. Never leave your job without completing this procedure.
What if the employer does not meet their obligations?
No legal text provides for the immediate termination of an apprenticeship contract at the apprentice's initiative without following the procedure above. In the event of serious breaches by the employer (safety not ensured, tasks unrelated to the training, salary not paid…), alert your CFA and the apprenticeship mediator without delay; the mediator can also help negotiate a termination by mutual agreement. The labour inspectorate can be contacted, and the dispute can be brought before the conseil de prud'hommes (employment tribunal). Keep all evidence (written exchanges, payslips, schedules).
What happens after the contract ends?
Ending a contract does not leave you without a safety net. If you have not yet found a new employer, you can continue your theoretical training at the CFA for 6 months, and the CFA must help you find a new company. During this period, you have the status of vocational training trainee and you keep your social security rights; however, you no longer receive an apprentice's salary, and the State does not pay any equivalent income. Depending on your situation, unemployment rights or other support may exist: check with France Travail or your local mission locale.
| Step | Time limit / duration | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Trial period | 45 days of practical training in the company | Free termination, no reason needed |
| Resignation after the trial period | At least 5 days after referral to the mediator, then 7 days after informing the employer | Mediator mandatory first |
| Dismissal | Dismissal procedure for personal reasons | Grounds limited by law |
| Compulsory liquidation | Termination by the liquidator | Compensation at least equal to the pay due until the end of the contract |
| Staying at the CFA | Up to 6 months | Trainee status, social security rights kept, no salary |
Use this window to bounce back without losing your year: explore our work-study offers and our training programmes right away to secure a new place. Before signing your next contract, check your future salary with the pay simulator and review your financial aid. And to give yourself every chance in your next interview, reread our tips to succeed in your work-study interview.
Ending a contract is not a failure: handled well, it lets you find a better suited company while keeping your rights and your training.