Apprenticeship or internship: how to choose for your project

Apprenticeship or internship? Both let you gain hands-on experience, but they don't share the same status or the same goals. Here's how to decide.

What sets them apart

Criterion	Apprenticeship	Internship
Status	Employee	Student
Duration	6 months to 3 years	A few weeks to 6 months
Pay	% of the minimum wage	Allowance
Qualification	Built into the programme	Complement to training

The apprenticeship fully integrates you into the company over time, while the internship is a shorter immersion, ideal for discovering a job.

Choose an apprenticeship if…

• you want a real salary and a lasting foothold in the company;
• you're ready to take on a demanding rhythm (school + work);
• you're aiming for fast employability at the end of the programme.

To get started, read our method for finding an apprenticeship and our overview of apprentice pay.

Choose an internship if…

• you want to test a job or a sector before committing;
• your programme requires an internship rather than an apprenticeship;
• you need flexibility in your schedule.

Our dedicated guide helps you find and succeed in your end-of-studies internship.

There's no wrong choice: there's the choice that fits your project right now.

Still unsure?

Look at the available offers in your field. Sometimes the market decides for you. On SuperAlternant, you'll find both apprenticeship and internship offers: compare, apply and move forward.