For several years, Euro App Mobility and the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA France) have worked hand in hand to advance European and international apprentice mobility. A founding member of our network and a pioneer of the movement, CMA France confirms its commitment through a national survey published in September 2025, which presents a very encouraging overview.
A 45% Increase in Mobility Since 2017-2018
A striking statistic from the survey: between 2017-2018 and 2023-2024, the number of mobilities carried out within the CMA regional network increased by 45%, reaching 3,152 participants, including apprentices and staff.
The survey also highlights other relevant information, such as the main destinations for apprentices on mobility programs, including Spain, Germany, Italy, and Ireland (practical guides are available to support your mobility to these destinations here).
This increase reflects a collective momentum driven by effective regional coordination and diverse funding mechanisms: Erasmus+, regional councils, OPCOs, and CMA’s own funds. CMA France thus asserts itself as a central player in the international influence of French craftsmanship, by also hosting foreign apprentices. Of the total number of mobilities, 14% concern incoming mobilities, meaning Europeans hosted in France.
Euro App Mobility President Jean Arthuis commended this progress:
“CMA France champions an exemplary European dynamic for apprentice mobility, and I commend its leadership for wanting to highlight this tremendous momentum across the network of Chambers of Trades and Crafts.”
Notable Advancements… and Persistent Challenges
While the results show significant progress, some obstacles remain, particularly for long-term apprentice mobility. Indeed, the number of apprentices on mobility programs has increased by 46%, but only 3% of them leave for more than two weeks.
Conversely, post-apprentices—i.e., young people who have completed their contract but are continuing their professional or academic path in line with their training—benefit more from these long-term mobilities: more than three-quarters of them leave for six months or more.
This discrepancy between apprentices and post-apprentices suggests that the apprenticeship format, combining company and education, hinders long-term mobility. Employer involvement is essential. While short-term mobilities allow for an introduction to foreign countries, it is prolonged experiences that offer true added value for professional integration and the development of transversal skills.
Three-Year Outlook: Recognition, Openness, and Sustainability
For the next three years, CMA France anticipates a continuous increase in mobilities, supported by a strong strategic commitment from the network and by the upskilling of mobility advisors.
The identified priorities fully align with those of Euro App Mobility:
- Stabilize and increase Erasmus+ financial resources within the 2028-2034 budgetary framework;
- Widen the recognition of learning outcomes and the integration of mobility into training pathways;
- Strengthen access to information on apprenticeship mobility.
These objectives are consistent with our own actions. During our meeting with European representatives at the European Parliament, Euro App Mobility highlighted these same objectives to increase the number of mobilities and create a European apprenticeship area.
A Lasting and Structuring Partnership
A long-standing partner of Euro App Mobility, CMA France has contributed from the outset to the establishment of our network and to the professionalization of mobility stakeholders. Due to its role in the creation of EAM, three regional CMA networks— those of Occitanie, Loire, and Mulhouse—are participating in the pilot project of‘EAM, Mona. Since 2021, more than 60 CMA advisors have completed training modules as part of the MOBLT project, led by EAM, demonstrating the lasting foundation of this collaboration. Together, we share a common goal: to make international long-term accessible to all apprentices.
