JMSA

What JMSA does

JMSA (legal name JMSA Formation Conseil) is a privately held French professional training organization and Centre de Formation d'Apprentis (CFA) founded in 1992 and headquartered in Compiègne, France. The company specializes in vocational certification training for the leisure, tourism, hospitality, restaurant, accommodation, and cultural sectors, delivering professionally recognized Titre Professionnel and CQP qualifications (RNCP-certified, Level 3 to Level 6) that are financed through French public funding mechanisms (CPF, OPCO such as AFDAS, and apprenticeship funds). Its curriculum covers more than 15 programs spanning animation (Animateur Loisir Tourisme, Opérateur d'Attractions), tourism guidance (Guide Accompagnateur Touristique), hospitality (Réceptionniste, Gouvernant), restaurant and food service (Serveur, Agent de Cuisine, Employé de Restauration Rapide), and retail management (Assistant/Manager/Responsable d'Unité Marchande). JMSA operates 17 training locations across nine French regions and complements in-person instruction with a digital pedagogical platform for e-learning and blended delivery.

The company's business model combines B2C training (individual learners paying €15/hour or funded via CPF/OPCO) with B2B employer-partner relationships that channel apprentices into practical training periods at host companies such as Club Med, Futuroscope, Vulcania, Parc Astérix, Nausicaa, Odalys, Pierre et Vacances, and AREAS. Revenue streams include per-hour training fees, apprenticeship contracts (contrat d'apprentissage), professionalization contracts (contrat de professionnalisation), and bespoke enterprise training (POE, AFPR, intra-company programs). In 2025 JMSA reported training 895 learners with a 97.67% examination success rate and 60–100% six-month placement rates across programs. The technology stack is non-AI: a digital course-delivery platform, adaptive pedagogy, and applied training facilities (application restaurants, a pedagogical boutique). JMSA holds a French quality certification (Cert. No. 23FOR01557.2) covering training actions, VAE, and apprenticeship training. Ownership is founder-driven, led by Anne Forcade as Directeur de la publication, with no disclosed external investors or parent entity.

Name

JMSA

Legal name

JMSA Formation Conseil

Website

https://jmsa.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

JMSA (JMSA Formation Conseil) is a privately held French vocational training organization and apprenticeship center (CFA) founded in 1992, specializing in certified training for leisure, tourism, hospitality, restaurant, and retail sectors across 17 locations in France, serving both individual learners and employer partners such as Club Med, Futuroscope, and Vulcania.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Compiègne

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Training Fees: JMSA generates revenue through training fees charged per hour (15€/hour for some courses). These fees may be covered by funding organisms (OPCO) or through CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) for eligible candidates.
2. Apprenticeship Contracts: Revenue from apprenticeship training (contrat d'apprentissage) where employers partner with JMSA to train future employees. Training costs are covered by apprenticeship funds (OPCO) for companies.
3. Professionalization Contracts: Revenue from professionalization contracts (contrat de professionnalisation) for employed individuals seeking skills development, funded through professional training organisms.
4. Customized Enterprise Training: JMSA provides bespoke training solutions for companies including workforce preparation (POE, AFPR) and skills development programs, with financing facilitated through professional networks.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

JMSA is a French professional training organization and Centre de Formation d'Apprentis (CFA) that delivers state-recognized vocational certifications (Titres Professionnels and CQPs) for the leisure, tourism, hospitality, restaurant, accommodation, and retail sectors. Programs are delivered through alternating classroom instruction (at 17 sites across France and via a digital pedagogical platform) with practical training periods at employer partner sites such as Club Med, Futuroscope, Vulcania, Odalys, and Pierre et Vacances. It also offers customized intra-company training solutions (POE, AFPR) and distance e-learning modules.

Product overview

JMSA is a professional training organization and Apprenticeship Training Center (CFA) specializing in hospitality, tourism, leisure, restaurant, accommodation, and cultural sectors for over 33 years. The organization offers a portfolio of professional title programs and Certificates of Professional Qualification (CQP) at various levels (Level 3 to Level 6), combining classroom training with practical periods at partner employer companies. The training portfolio includes programs such as Animateur Loisir Tourisme, Assistant(e) Commercial(e), Manager d'Unité Marchande, and various hospitality and restaurant programs, all designed for professional certification through alternating (apprenticeship/contracts) or traditional learning paths.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Formation Animateur(rice) Loisir Tourisme Professional title training program (Code RNCP 38662, Level 4, equivalent BAC) preparing learners to deliver conviviality, relaxation, entertainment, and discovery experiences for visitors in tourist establishments.
• Formation Assistant(e) Commercial(e) Professional title training program (Level 5, BAC+2) focused on commercial and administrative order processing, customer relationship management, and supply chain follow-up (Code RNCP 35031).
• Formation Assistant(e) Manager d'Unité Marchande Professional title training (Level 4, equivalent BAC) preparing learners to support store unit attractiveness, supply management, sales development, and team animation (Code RNCP 41852).
• Formation Chargé(e) d'Accueil Touristique et de Loisirs Professional title (Level 4) training for welcoming, informing, and orienting visitors in tourism, leisure, and event structures (Code RNCP 37396).
• Formation Employé(e) Polyvalent(e) en Restauration Professional title Level 3 (equivalent BEP) training for restaurant assembly, hot cooking, self-service operations, and kitchen equipment cleaning (Code RNCP 38663).
• Formation Employé(e) de Restauration Rapide Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP) for quick service restaurant operations including visitor reception, food preparation, sales, and hygiene compliance (Code RNCP 27860).
• Formation Guide Accompagnateur(rice) Touristique Professional title Level 4 training for guiding visitors through territory discovery, heritage tours, excursions, and circuits (Code RNCP 38548).
• Formation Vendeur(se) en Espace de Loisirs Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP) for sales activities in leisure parks, theme parks, attractions, and cultural venues including customer reception, cash management, and stock replenishment (Code RNCP 27533).
• Formation Responsable d'Établissement Touristique Professional title Level 6 (BAC+3) training for directing, coordinating, commercializing, and managing tourist establishment services and staff.
• Formation Manager(euse) d'Établissement Marchand Professional title Level 5 (BAC+2) training for operational management of sales points including team management, commercial performance, and profitability analysis (Code RNCP 41853).
• Formation Responsable d'Établissement Marchand Professional title Level 6 (Licence/Bachelor) training for strategic commercial management, sales optimization, and multi-unit leadership (Code RNCP 38666).
• Formation Gouvernant(e) en Hôtellerie Professional title Level 4 training for coordinating housekeeping teams, planning cleaning operations, and quality control in hotel establishments (Code RNCP 39533).
• Formation Agent(e) de Cuisine Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP) for kitchen operations in leisure parks and attractions, including appetizer/dessert preparation, hot cooking, grilling, and hygiene compliance (Code RNCP 27861).
• Formation Réceptionniste en Hôtellerie Professional title training for hotel reception operations including guest arrivals, reservations, departures, and online distribution management (Code RNCP 38870).
• Formation Serveur(se) en Restauration Professional title Level 3 (equivalent BEP) training for restaurant service including table setup, customer reception, order taking, and billing (Code RNCP 39534).
• Formation Opérateur(rice) d'Attractions Certificate of Professional Qualification (CQP) for operating attractions in leisure and theme parks, including visitor reception, boarding management, attraction piloting, and safety assurance.
• Customized Enterprise Training Solutions (intégrer/inter-entreprises) including POE, AFPR, and intra-company programs Bespoke training programs developed to employer specifications, including workforce preparation (POE, AFPR) and short targeted skills development courses for companies in the leisure, tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, financed through OPCO/professional networks.
• E-learning and Distance Learning (formation à distance) Remote access to digitized course materials via the JMSA pedagogical platform (Accès à la plateforme pédagogique JMSA), enabling blended and fully distance learning across JMSA's certification programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 97.67% examination success rate in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Club MedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClub Med is a flagship employer partner collaborating with JMSA for apprenticeship programs in leisure animation. The partnership includes specialized circus arts animation training at the Clermont-Ferrand location, with 15 positions available for apprentice animateurs. The collaboration involves both pre-apprenticeship preparation (POEC) and full apprenticeship contracts spanning multiple years.
• AREAScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAREAS is a major employer partner providing apprenticeship opportunities for JMSA students in retail management (Manager d'Unité Marchande) programs. Graduates of the program have been hired at AREAS retail locations.
• FuturoscopemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFuturoscope theme park partners with JMSA to provide practical training sites for students in tourism, hospitality, and leisure programs. Students complete practical periods at the attraction park.
• VulcaniamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVulcania volcanic theme park in Auvergne partners with JMSA for training programs. The St Ours les Roches location is associated with Vulcania, and graduates have been hired at the park.
• SNELACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSNELAC (Syndicat National des Espaces de Loisirs, d'Attractions et Culturels) is a strategic partner whose Commission Paritaire Nationale de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle (CPNEF) issues CQPs (Certificats de Qualification Professionnelle) for leisure, attractions, and cultural sector employees through JMSA programs.
• NausicaamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNausicaa National Sea Centre partners with JMSA to provide practical training opportunities for students in tourism and leisure programs.
• Parc AstérixmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParc Astérix theme park partners with JMSA to provide practical training sites for students in leisure and tourism programs.
• OdalysmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOdalys vacation residence operator partners with JMSA for hospitality training. Graduates have been hired as Responsable Hébergement at Odalys properties.
• Pierre et VacancesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPierre et Vacances holiday accommodation group partners with JMSA for hospitality training. Graduates have been hired at Domaine du Bois au Daim properties.
• AFDAScoreOthersAFDAS is a professional development funding organism (OPCO) that finances training for employees in tourism, culture, and leisure sectors. JMSA programs may be covered through AFDAS for eligible candidates.
• KAMPUS 137minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKAMPUS 137 leisure facility partners with JMSA, employing graduates of the Assistant Manager d'Unité Marchande program.
• ANIMOYS LANDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorANIMOYS LAND theme park employs graduates of JMSA's Animateur Loisir Tourisme program as animators.
• FLY ARENAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFLY ARENA entertainment venue employs graduates of JMSA's Assistant Manager program as Assistant Managers.
• WEEKY PARCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWEEKY PARC theme park employs graduates of JMSA's animation training programs as polyvalente animators.
• Cinéma PathéminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPathé Cinemas employs JMSA graduates in management positions, such as Starbucks Store Manager at Pathé cinema locations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AFPA: AFPA is France's largest public vocational training organization, delivering work-ready certifications across many sectors including hospitality, tourism, and retail. Comparable to JMSA as a CFA-equivalent delivering 'Titres Professionnels,' but at significantly greater national scale and broader sector coverage.
• CCI France (réseau de formation consulaire): The French Chambers of Commerce operate an extensive training network including the EGEFI and CMAR academies covering tourism, hospitality, retail, and commerce. Directly comparable to JMSA in CFA-style vocational certifications and apprenticeship delivery, with deeper geographic and capital reach.
• GRETA (réseau Education Nationale): GRETA is the French national education network for adult continuing vocational training, offering 'Titres Professionnels' across hospitality, tourism, commerce, and services. Comparable to JMSA in delivering state-recognized certifications, with far larger geographic and public-sector reach.
• CNAM (Conservatoire national des arts et métiers): CNAM is a major French higher-education institution delivering professional certifications and degrees, including in hospitality, tourism, commerce, and management. Comparable to JMSA in higher-level Titre Professionnel delivery, with substantially larger scale and academic prestige.

Emerging players

• ISCOD: ISCOD is a French digital apprenticeship specialist delivering e-learning plus tutor-supported training across commerce, marketing, and management. Comparable to JMSA in apprenticeship (alternance) GTM and RNCP-certified titles, but with a fully digital delivery model and broader commercial scope.
• Pigier: Pigier is a network of French business and trade schools offering BTS, Bac Pro, and Titre Professionnel programs with strong tourism, commerce, and management tracks. Comparable to JMSA in apprenticeship/commerce training and RNCP-certified titles, with broader academic catalog and national branding.

Direct peers

• AFTRAL: AFTRAL is one of France's leading CFAs specializing in transport, logistics, and customer-facing service training, delivering apprenticeship programs nationally. Comparable to JMSA in CFA-scale apprenticeship delivery for service-sector employer partners, with similar OPCO/CPF funding exposure.
• Institut Lyfe (ex-Institut Paul Bocuse): Institut Lyfe is a leading French hospitality, culinary arts, and food service school delivering professional certifications and degrees. Directly comparable to JMSA's hospitality and restaurant programs, with a more upscale culinary brand and international recognition.
• Groupe École Ducasse: École Ducasse delivers French culinary and hospitality excellence training through professional programs and continuing education. Directly comparable to JMSA's restaurant and hospitality certifications (CQP Agent de Cuisine, Employé Polyvalent en Restauration), with stronger global brand.
• Vatel Group: Vatel operates hospitality and tourism management schools across France and internationally, training hôteliers, receptionists, and F&B staff. Comparable to JMSA as a specialized hospitality/tourism school, with stronger international footprint and bachelor-level curriculum focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 JMSA