20 Years of Excellence: The Apprenticeship Pathway at EDHEC
The Apprenticeship Track of EDHEC’s Grande École Programme is celebrating 20 years of excellence. This distinctive pathway enables students to combine a high-level academic education with two years of professional experience within a company. Serving as a genuine springboard to employment, it brings together skills development, international exposure and personalised support at the heart of an action-based pedagogical approach.
Since its creation in 2006, the Apprenticeship Pathway of the Master in Management – Grande Ecole at EDHEC Business School has become a pillar of the school’s educational model — combining rigorous academic training with a two-year, fully immersive professional experience.The programme celebrated its 20th anniversary in October 2025 — a defining moment that offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on how this unique pathway has prepared more than 1,500 graduates for the demands of today’s professional world, with the support each year of over 300 partner companies.
A Dual Education: Theory and Practice in Harmony
What distinguishes the Apprenticeship Pathway is its structured rhythm, alternating academic instruction with real-world professional experience: students spend three weeks working in a company, followed by one week of classes at EDHEC — a rhythm praised by both students and employers.
Across the two years of the programme, students gradually take on increasing responsibilities within their companies, developing autonomy, initiative, and leadership. This progressive immersion provides a clear understanding of business dynamics and typical career demands — knowledge that goes far beyond theory.
Conversely, this alternating structure does not compromise academic quality: students continue to benefit from the high-level curriculum of the Master in Management - Grande École at EDHEC, renowned for its academic rigour and excellence.
Financial and Professional Advantages: A Smart, Balanced Choice
The Apprenticeship Pathway offers more than experience: from the moment the contract is signed, tuition fees are fully covered by the employer — and the apprentice receives a monthly salary as an employee of the partner company.
This combination of professional immersion and financial autonomy has made the pathway increasingly appealing to students seeking a high-level education without the typical financial burden.
At the same time, apprentices can enter a wide range of sectors including finance, consulting, marketing, human resources, auditing, sustainability, project management, and more.
International Exposure: A Global Outlook
The programme doesn’t confine students to the French business environment. In fact, two mandatory international mobility periods are integrated into the curriculum.
The first involves either a mission within the company’s international branch or taking part in a “summer programme” at one of EDHEC’s partner universities.
The second takes the form of a “Learning Expedition” — a collective trip to a major European capital, organised between Master 1 and Master 2. This immersive experience broadens students’ cultural, economic, and professional horizons, and strengthens cohesion within the cohort.
From Apprentice to Professional — or Entrepreneur
At the end of their two-year contract, many apprentices are offered a permanent position within their company. Others feel empowered to launch their own venture — equipped with experience, maturity, and a strong professional network.
Thanks to this long-form alternation, EDHEC graduates from this pathway enter the job market already “work-ready,” with a concrete understanding of company expectations.
A Community of Apprentices: Support, Network, Mentoring
Every year, 125 new apprentices are admitted into this selective and demanding pathway.
Beyond the training itself, EDHEC supports them comprehensively — from assistance in finding a company, through pedagogical follow-up, to professional integration after graduation.
Over 20 years, this cohort has built an active and strong Alumni community — a powerful asset for future opportunities and mentoring.
As emphasised by the Programme Director, Vanina Gaimard, “the Apprenticeship Pathway offers a unique opportunity to combine academic excellence and two-year professional experience, as a paid employee in the same company.”
A Demanding — But Transformative — Pathway
The Apprenticeship Pathway is not for everyone: it demands high levels of motivation, discipline, and endurance.
But for those prepared to commit, the benefits are significant: a balanced and affordable education, real-world responsibilities, international exposure, and a fast track into the professional world. After 20 years, the pathway stands out as a model of excellence— a reflection of EDHEC’s commitment to combining academic excellence with professional relevance.
