What Competences & Developpement does

Compétences & Développement (C&D SAS, registered in Nanterre, France; share capital €1,659,042) is a private higher-education network operating 14 schools and training centers across 34 campuses in France, including overseas territory La Réunion and delocalized programs in China, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The portfolio spans business and management (IDRAC Business School, IFAG, ICL), engineering and digital (EPSI, WIS), finance and accounting (IGEFI), agri-management (IHEDREA), environmental transition (IET), international relations (ILERI), communication (SUP'DE COM), tourism (IEFT), responsible management (3A), interior architecture (ESAIL), and languages (VIVA MUNDI). The network delivers 80+ state-recognized programs from BTS (Bac+2) to Master (Bac+5) and runs an Executive DBA. Shared services include the Parcours Educatif HEP (humanism, entrepreneurship, professionalism — 100+ hours of soft-skills training), BTS'UP student support, the Express Yourself communication program, the ODI-C 2030 adaptive-learning project, the Pôle Art & Culture initiative, and TNK Alternance for apprenticeship administration.

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees (€7,500-€12,000 per learner per year depending on level), OPCO-funded apprenticeship contracts (12,000+ managed annually, also valued at €7,500-€12,000 per year), the French taxe d'apprentissage (corporate training tax), continuing education and VAE programs, and international mobility fees. Pricing is supplemented by government student aid (CROUS), state apprenticeship aid (€5,000-€6,000 per hire depending on level and profile), and negotiated banking partnerships. Customer segments are two-sided: individual learners/students on one side, and French companies (predominantly SMEs via OPCO) recruiting apprentices on the other, with enterprise relationships managed by dedicated 'relations entreprises' staff at each school and consolidated at the annual C&Dday forum.

The technology stack combines Microsoft-Azure-hosted digital infrastructure, the My Job Glasses and Job Teaser career platforms for BTS'UP students, multi-school CRM, immersive learning labs (MyDil VR/AR/IoT with HTC VIVE, HoloLens, Oculus, drones, Nao robots), and the SOLTéa integration for training-tax allocation. AI integration is a network-wide priority, with competency badges and generative AI tools embedded in curricula, though no proprietary AI models are disclosed. The network has obtained QUALIOPI certification (May 2021), GDPR compliance, and the France Travail handi-engagées recognition (2025), and was named a Speak & Act Top Employer in 2024. No external private-equity or venture-capital investment is disclosed; ownership appears to remain with management under Directeur Général Jérôme Monteil.

Name

Competences & Developpement

Legal name

RESEAU COMPETENCES & DEVELOPPEMENT SAS

Website

https://competences-developpement.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Compétences & Développement (C&D) operates a network of 14 private higher-education schools across 34 campuses in France, serving 15,000+ learners with 80+ state-recognized programs from BTS to Master level and managing 12,000+ annual apprenticeship contracts funded through French OPCO mechanisms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Professional Schools (MBA/MPA/MPH/Etc.) (EDAHALAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Study Abroad Provider Networks, Consortia & Membership Organizations (EDAIAAAK)

Keywords

• Private higher education
• Apprenticeship work-study
• Business management schools
• Post-baccalaureate training
• French tertiary education

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices37 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition fees - initial programs: Revenue from tuition fees charged to students in initial (non-alternance) programs. Fees vary by level: approximately €7,500 for BTS to €12,000 for Master-level programs. Some financial aid available via government grants (CROUS) and banking partnerships.
2. Apprenticeship (alternance) contracts: Revenue primarily from OPCO (Skills Operators) coverage of training costs. OPCOs pay Niveaux de Prise en Charge (NPEC) based on RNCP level (e.g., €7,500/year base for BTS). Companies also pay apprentice salaries. The network manages 12,000+ apprenticeship contracts. Training fees range from €7,500 (BTS) to €12,000 (Master) per year, largely covered by OPCO.
3. Taxe d'apprentissage (professional training tax): French companies can allocate a portion of their training tax to support schools. The network actively solicits this funding, offering companies partnership status in return. This provides additional revenue and strengthens corporate relationships.
4. Continuing education and VAE: Some schools (IDRAC BS, IET, IGEFI) offer continuing education (inter and intra-company) and Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience (VAE) programs for professionals, generating additional revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Compétences & Développement operates a network of 14 private higher education schools and training centers across 34 campuses in France, delivering 80+ state-recognized programs from BTS (Bac+2) to Master's (Bac+5) covering business management, computer engineering, finance, communication, tourism, environment, agriculture, international relations, interior design, and languages. The network serves 15,000+ learners and manages 12,000+ apprenticeship (alternance) contracts annually, combining tuition-based initial programs with OPCO-funded work-study tracks. It is positioned as a platform-plus-schools model where the central organization provides shared services (pedagogy framework, AI integration, international mobility, corporate relations) while each school operates as a distinct sub-brand with specialized programs.

Product overview

Compétences & Développement is a network of 14 private higher education schools and training centers offering 80+ recognized programs from Bac to Bac+5 across 34 campuses in France. The network operates a platform-plus-schools model where the central organization provides shared services (pedagogy framework, AI integration, international mobility, corporate relations) while each school functions as a distinct sub-brand with specialized programs: IDRAC Business School (commerce/management with AI integration), IFAG (management/HR, AI from 2025), EPSI (computer engineering, AI/Data Science), WIS (digital transformation), 3A (responsible management), ICL (business development), IEFT (tourism), IET (environment), IHEDREA (agri-management), IGEFI (accounting/finance), ILERI (international relations), SUP'DE COM (communication), ESAIL (interior design), and VIVA MUNDI (languages). Supporting services include TNK ALTERNANCE for work-study contracts,FIGS Education for international development, and shared educational programs including BTS'UP, the HEP Educational Pathway, ODI-C 2030, Express Yourself, and a podcast network. The network integrates AI across programs with competency badges, uses AI tools for pedagogy optimization, and offers the Executive DBA as a flagship advanced degree.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BTS'UP: Personalized support program for BTS students including orientation, professionalization, and skills development.
• Parcours Educatif HEP
• ODI-C 2030
• Express Yourself
• C&Dday

Products and services

• IDRAC Business School

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,000+ learners trained annually
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• JeVeuxAider.gouv.frcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the French government volunteering platform connecting C&D students with volunteer opportunities. Students access the platform through their school enrollment, enabling them to engage in civic activities that build soft skills and community ties while reinforcing the humanistic values of the network's educational mission.
• Erasmus+ programmecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe network's international mobility service aligns with European Erasmus+ initiatives, enabling C&D students to access mobility funding and partnerships across European universities. This alignment strengthens the international character of programs and enables student exchanges.
• 150+ international universities and schools (including ~20 AACSB-accredited and ~10 Top 500 Shanghai Ranking institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMore than 150 partner universities and schools worldwide, including nearly 20 AACSB-accredited institutions and around 10 ranked in the Top 500 Shanghai Ranking. Over 20 double-degree agreements enable students to earn two credentials. These partnerships support student exchanges, dual degrees, and faculty collaboration across disciplines from business to environment to international relations.
• Manifeste 'Inclusion' collective (200 companies)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerC&D is signatory to the 'Inclusion' Manifesto collective, a group of 200+ companies committed to facilitating inclusion and particularly addressing disability. C&D's Eric Guillermain represents the network in the 'Young people to employment' working group, contributing to solutions for integrating students with disabilities into the professional world.
• Charte 'Activateur de progrès' (Agefiph)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerC&D is signatory to the Agefiph's 'Activateur de progrès' charter for promoting employment of people with disabilities. The charter provides sensitization tools including posters and information materials for employees and learners. Demonstrates that managers can hire people with disabilities and encourages employees to declare disabilities and access RQTH (Reconnaissance de la Qualité de Travailleur Handicapé).
• Speak & ActminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpeak & Act provides verified employer brand reviews, recognizing C&D as a Top Employer in 2024. The partnership involves anonymous employee and candidate reviews that validate C&D's commitment to positive workplace experience for collaborators, candidates, and apprentices.
• Microsoft AzurecoreTechnology or IntegrationThe C&D website and digital infrastructure are hosted on Microsoft Azure, operated by Microsoft France (SAS, capital €4,240,000, RCS Nanterre B 327 733 184). This cloud infrastructure supports the network's digital platforms including the student portal, school websites, and online learning tools.
• Adèle / My AppartminorOthersAssociation financed by social landlords providing a white-label platform for students to view available student residences in real-time from private and public providers. Manages exchanges with managers, receipt, and invoicing - 100% free for students. Includes practical guides for lease writing and inventory procedures.
• Les Belles AnnéesminorOthersPrivate landlord offering furnished and equipped residences near C&D campuses nationwide. Residences include wifi/internet, common rooms, bicycle storage, and laundry. Premium access pathway for C&D students with priority file processing.
• OQOROminorOthersProperty management specialist focused on student coliving. C&D students benefit from a promotional code on filing fees, priority on their application, and personalized support. The partnership facilitates housing access for learners across the 34-campus network.
• Société Générale, LCL, Caisse d'EpargneminorOthersThree banking partnerships (Société Générale, LCL, and Caisse d'Epargne) offering negotiated student loan rates, discounted or free bank cards, and preferential conditions negotiated by C&D on behalf of its students. These partnerships reduce the financial barriers to education and improve the student experience.
• Visale (Action Logement)minorOthersVisale is a 100% free housing guarantee for students and alternants up to 30 years, covering all housing types. C&D promotes this guarantee to students as part of its housing support services, facilitated by Action Logement partnerships.
• My Job GlassesminorOthersBTS'UP program students access My Job Glasses platform for professional discovery and mentorship connections, enabling them to explore careers and build professional networks during their studies.
• Job TeaserminorOthersBTS'UP program students access Job Teaser platform for company connections and job/internship listings, facilitating professional integration and apprenticeship recruitment within the C&D ecosystem.
• Welcome Desk de l'Université de ToulouseminorOthersA service facilitating administrative procedures for international students: housing information, residence permits, orientation, health, culture, sport, and transport. C&D Toulouse campus students are directed to this service for international student support.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CESI: Larger French network of engineering and IT schools with 25 campuses offering BTS-to-Master programs and strong apprenticeship integration. Comparable in BTS-level digital/engineering programs (overlapping with EPSI and WIS) but operates as an established engineering-focused incumbent.
• ESGF / ESG Sport: French private higher education network offering specialized business programs including ESG Finance, ESG Marketing, ESG Sport. Broader incumbent in the French private business school market with overlapping Bac+3-to-Bac+5 program offerings and apprenticeship focus.
• Cours Galien / IESEG: Triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) French business school with Lille and Paris campuses. Larger established French private business education incumbent offering Bachelor-through-Master programs that overlap with C&D's IDRAC Business School and IFAG offerings, though operating at a different market tier.

Direct peers

• ESGF / Paris School of Business: French private business school offering Bachelor through MBA programs with strong alternance model. Comparable French private higher education player with overlapping target students in BTS-to-Bac+5 business programs and similar OPCO-financed apprenticeship structure.
• Pigier: Established French private school network (founded 1850) offering BTS, Bachelor, and Master programs in commerce, management, marketing, and HR across 20+ campuses in France. Direct comparable with similar multi-campus franchise model, alternance focus, and OPCO funding reliance.
• IONIS Education Group: French private higher education group operating ISG, EPITA, EPITECH, ICS Bégué and other schools with similar BTS-through-Master program mix. Directly comparable platform model combining multiple specialized schools under a centralized group with shared pedagogy and enterprise relations.
• Galileo Global Education: Europe's largest private higher education group with ~200 schools across multiple disciplines including business, design, digital, and engineering. Directly comparable multi-school, multi-campus French private higher education consolidator pursuing a similar roll-up strategy across BTS-to-Bac+5 programs with apprenticeship tracks.
• Studialis / Grandes Ecoles: French private higher education platform grouping schools like ESG, ESGCI, MBA ESG, ESGF. Comparable multi-school platform model with specialization across business, marketing, finance, and management programs from Bac to Bac+5, with international partnerships.
• OMNES Education (formerly INSEEC U.): Private multi-school French higher education group with campuses in France and internationally, offering business, engineering, communication, and digital programs. Direct peer with similar Bac+2-to-Bac+5 program structure, apprenticeship integration, and international mobility partnerships.
• ISCPA / Sup de V: French private schools specialized in communication, journalism, and media (ISCPA) and event management (Sup de V). Direct peer for SUP'DE COM within C&D's portfolio, serving similar student segments with comparable program structures.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLWa51ranuMXkX89zRPWx-TOrh04dO_ruG

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Competences & Developpement