CNC calls for reforms to apprenticeships
16/07/2018
In a release, the CNC said the leather industry is an important export earner for France due to its exceptional know-how which is recognised worldwide. It warned, however, that a lack of qualified workers means this know-how could be at risk in the near future.
It has pointed to apprenticeships for young people as an important way of ensuring the skills required to work in the leather industry are preserved, but also said that they are not always accessible to smaller companies due to their high cost.
At a time when the French parliament is reviewing how apprenticeships work in the country, the CNC has stated that it wants to have a say in shaping their future. As a result, it has issued four proposals for the government to consider:
• Reduce the cost of apprenticeships for smaller companies, for example by providing financial assistance towards the cost of an apprentice’s work contract;
• Strengthen the links between apprentices and companies, so that both parties have more certainty over what happens once training is over;
• Make exempt from tax the hours spent by ‘master apprentices’ training new recruits;
• Change working restrictions for apprentices so that they can train with all the tools and machinery they will need to use once they enter the workplace.
Frank Boehly, president of industry body the Conseil National du Cuir, said: “If the government powers listen to us on these points, we will be able to recruit a significant number of apprentices and guarantee them a rich and exciting professional life. As a result, their future and that of the leather industry will be safeguarded”.
Image credit: Gainerie 91/CNC.
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