The apprenticeship market is going through a period of transformation. After several years of strong growth followed by a slowdown in 2025, the HelloWork barometer published in July 2026 reveals the first signs of stabilisation. Here is an analysis of the key figures and what they mean for candidates.
2025: a marked decline after record years
Between 2022 and 2024, the apprenticeship market experienced exceptional growth: the volume of job offers published on HelloWork rose from 186,936 to 248,494, an increase of over 30%. But in 2025, the decline was clear: 219,334 offers published, a drop of 12% year-on-year.
Several factors explain this decline:
- the financing reform of apprenticeship, which introduced uncertainties about funding levels (NPEC);
- the deterioration of the labour market, pushing companies to reduce their hiring;
- the reduction of public hiring aid for apprentices, with revised amounts for bachelor's and master's levels.
Q1 2026: stabilisation is emerging
In the first quarter of 2026, the volume of offers increased by +1% compared to Q4 2025. The market is not rebounding, but it has stopped falling. This is a positive signal for candidates embarking on an apprenticeship search.
At the same time, apprenticeship-related queries on HelloWork increased by +31% in Q1 2026 compared to 2025. Candidate interest therefore remains strong, despite a more competitive environment.
"After several years of strong growth, the apprenticeship market is slowing down in a context of regulatory and economic uncertainties. However, candidate interest remains strong and offer volumes are holding up at the start of the year." — Loïc Le Terrien, Executive Director of Employment at HelloWork.
Spontaneous applications: the new norm
One of the major findings of the barometer is the growing importance of spontaneous applications. In Q1 2026, they accounted for 74% of apprenticeship applications, compared to 36% in Q3 2025.
In 2025, 608,000 spontaneous applications were recorded via La Bonne Alternance, targeting 316,000 companies. Candidates now anticipate their searches well before the peak in job offers, starting from the beginning of the year.
Most targeted sectors for spontaneous applications
| Popular sectors |
Neglected sectors |
| Pharmacies and health retail |
Agriculture |
| Early childhood |
Dairy farming |
| Social work |
Camping / outdoor leisure |
| Accounting |
Industrial cleaning |
| Hospitals |
|
This gap between supply and demand is significant: the jobs sought by candidates (data, cybersecurity, network administration) do not always match the jobs in tension (plasterer, carpenter, home helper, care assistant). To maximise your chances, discover the sectors hiring the most apprentices.
Geography: Île-de-France leads the market
Île-de-France concentrates 30% of national offers in 2025, double its weight in overall employment. The region is holding up better than others with a decline limited to -11%, compared to -21% in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and -28% in Occitania.
Île-de-France also captures 23% of spontaneous applications, confirming its attractiveness for apprentices.
Update on hiring aid
The reform of apprenticeship hiring aid, effective from 8 March 2026, has changed the amounts:
- A-level and below: €5,000 (SMEs) / €2,000 (large companies) — unchanged;
- Bachelor's and master's level: €2,000 (SMEs) / €750 (large companies) — reduced.
To learn about all available aid, consult our guide on apprenticeship hiring aid.
Our advice for 2026
Faced with a more competitive market — the number of applications per offer has increased by 11% in one year — here is how to stand out:
- Anticipate your search: do not wait until spring to start. Spontaneous applications work better when sent early.
- Target growth sectors: pharmacy, early childhood, social work are actively hiring. Also explore the training courses leading to these jobs.
- Polish your application: a tailored CV and a cover letter adapted to each company make the difference. Follow our guide on CV and cover letter for apprenticeship.
- Broaden your geographic search: while Île-de-France concentrates the most offers, other regions offer opportunities in specific sectors.
- Prepare your interviews: competition is fierce, every interview counts. Discover our tips to succeed in your apprenticeship interview.
A positive note: inclusive apprenticeship
Despite the difficult context, one encouraging figure: the number of apprenticeship contracts signed by people with disabilities jumped by 18% in 2025, according to Agefiph. Apprenticeship is becoming more democratic and opening up to increasingly diverse audiences.
In summary
The apprenticeship market in 2026 is stabilising after a significant decline. Candidates are more numerous, more proactive, and must demonstrate strategy to stand out. By targeting the right sectors, preparing quality applications, and using the job offers available on SuperAlternant, you maximise your chances of success.
Also find out about your future apprentice remuneration and the student financial aid and tips to supplement your budget.
