If you’re an employer in Guadeloupe hiring apprentices, the Regional Aid for Apprenticeship Employers (AREA) offers €2,000 per contract for the first year of training. This initiative supports businesses with up to 250 employees that are committed to training young people. The aid can be combined with other employment promotion schemes provided by regional and national authorities.

Objectives

AREA aims to bolster the apprenticeship system in Guadeloupe by financially supporting employers who hire young apprentices. The aid reflects the region’s commitment to fostering youth training and employment, particularly in the wake of recovery efforts. By incentivizing businesses to engage in apprenticeship programs, the scheme enhances workforce development and skill acquisition among young individuals.

Beneficiaries

This aid is available to employers of apprentices who meet the following criteria:

• Maximum of 250 employees
• Registered in Guadeloupe

Eligible sectors include various industries, artisans, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Eligible operations

The aid covers the hiring of apprentices who:

• Are enrolled in a program leading to a BAC + 2 degree or higher
• Are aged 30 years or under
• Are hired between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2024
• Have a contract duration of 12 to 36 months.

Eligibility conditions

Key eligibility conditions include:

• If the apprenticeship is terminated before the first year ends, the remaining aid will be suspended.
• If the apprentice is replaced, the remaining aid may be paid; otherwise, it must be reimbursed.
• Employers must maintain their activity in Guadeloupe for at least 3 years from the aid award notification.
• If the employer ceases activity before the apprenticeship contract ends, the region may demand repayment of the aid.

Grant amount

Employers can receive €2,000 per contract for the first year of training. This aid is cumulative with other employment promotion schemes implemented by the regional authority and the State.