What FORMASUP PACA does

Formasup Méditerranée (legally "Formasup PACA," operating since 1993 and rebranded in January 2024) is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) operating as the only "hors les murs" Centre de Formation d'Apprentis (CFA) dedicated exclusively to higher education in the SUD Region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). It is jointly governed by the four regional universities — Aix-Marseille Université, Université Côte d'Azur, Université de Toulon, and Université d'Avignon — together with the professional branches of MEDEF SUD (Union Patronale Régionale PACA). For the 2024-2025 academic year, the organization coordinates approximately 8,000 alternates (7,600 apprentices and 400 professionalization contract holders) across more than 450 training pathways spanning Bac to Bac+5 (BUT, professional Licences, Masters, and engineering degrees), making it the second-largest CFA in French higher education. Theoretical instruction is delivered at the partner university sites in Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and Avignon; Formasup itself does not operate teaching facilities, instead providing the administrative, contractual, and pedagogical-coordination layer between academia and the employer.

The organization's core technology stack consists of three proprietary web platforms: the Plateforme Collaborative (espace.cfa-epure.com), a role-based portal for training managers, secretariats, teachers, and apprentices launched with mandatory online training-opening requests since January 2020; the Cactus registration platform (cactus.formasup-paca.com), which handles apprenticeship and professionalization contract enrollment plus CERFA form editing; and the Net-Ypareo electronic apprenticeship record (livret-electronique.cfa-epure.com), which serves as the primary communication channel between company apprenticeship masters, university tutors, and apprentices, tracking alternating calendars, absences, company visit reports, and online learning-record completion. These platforms are supported by complementary digital tools including a salary simulator and an Erasmus+-accredited international mobility program (Consortium FAME).

Formasup's revenue model is public-service intermediation rather than direct tuition. It is funded by the CUFPA (Contribution Unique à la Formation Professionnelle et à l'Alternance) channeled through OPCOs (Opérateurs de Compétences) at rates set by professional branches and regulated by France Compétences, supplemented by government apprenticeship aid (notably €6,000 per apprentice in the first year of contracts signed through end-2027) and regional subsidies from Région SUD. Pricing is not student-facing; for employers, the public aid structure reduces net recruitment cost to near zero. The customer base is three-sided — students/job seekers, employers (from SMEs to large enterprises such as Haribo, Panzani, and McCormick France), and university training managers — with volume driven by apprentice headcount rather than per-contract fees. The organization holds ISO 9001 certification (since 2001), Qualiopi certification (since July 2020), Datadock (since 2017), Label Diversité, and Label Égalité.

Name

FORMASUP PACA

Legal name

Formasup Méditerranée

Website

https://cfa-epure.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Formasup Méditerranée is a French non-profit CFA that coordinates university-level apprenticeship programs in the SUD Region, serving approximately 8,000 alternates annually through more than 450 training pathways offered jointly by the four regional universities and MEDEF SUD employer branches.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Apprenticeship Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

Keywords

• Higher education apprenticeship
• Work-linked training
• University alternation
• Apprenticeship management
• Professionalization contracts

Headquarters

HQ city

Marseille

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Formation contribution funding via OPCO: The CFA is funded through employer contributions to professional training and apprenticeship (CUFPA). Employers pay contributions to their OPCO (operators of skills) calculated on gross payroll: 1.23% for companies with fewer than 11 employees (0.55% for CPF + 0.68% apprenticeship tax) and 1.68% for companies with 11+ employees (1% for CPF). OPCO and professional branches set training costs, which are covered for apprentices under apprenticeship contracts (fixed lump-sum cost) and professionalization contracts (hourly rate multiplied by course hours). France compétences regulates and funds apprenticeship. The CFA also receives state subsidies linked to government apprenticeship support plans (e.g., €6,000 per apprentice, €3,000 for local authorities).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Formasup Méditerranée coordinates and manages university-level apprenticeship and professionalization contracts, connecting apprentices, partner universities, and employers across the SUD region of France. The organization supports approximately 8,000 alternates per year across more than 450 training pathways (BUT, professional Licences, Masters, and Engineering degrees from Bac to Bac+5), operating a 'hors les murs' CFA model in which the CFA handles the administrative and contractual framework while theoretical teaching is delivered within partner university sites. Revenue is sourced from OPCO training contributions and government apprenticeship subsidies.

Product overview

Formasup Méditerranée operates as a 'hors les murs' (off-site) CFA managing university apprenticeship and professionalization contracts. The organization offers a unified portfolio of services centered around three core digital platforms: the Plateforme Collaborative (for stakeholder coordination), the Plateforme Cactus (for registration and contract management), and the Livret d'Apprentissage électronique Net-Ypareo (for tracking apprentice progress). These platforms work together to deliver over 450 university-level training programs (Bac to Bac+5) across partner institutions, supported by a dual tutoring system combining university and enterprise supervision. The organization also coordinates the FAME Consortium for international mobility through Erasmus+.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Consortium FAME: Formasup Apprenticeship for Mobility in Europe - Erasmus+ accredited consortium for international mobility of apprentices in higher education.

Products and services

• Alternance Training Programs (BUT, Licences Professionnelles, Masters, Diplômes d'Ingénieurs) University-level work-linked training programs combining theoretical instruction at partner universities with practical experience in host companies, offered under apprenticeship or professionalization contracts. Programs span BUT, professional Licences, Masters, and Engineering degrees across 450+ pathways. Targeted at prospective apprentices and hiring employers in the SUD Region of France.
• Plateforme d'Inscription Cactus Online registration platform enabling apprentices and employers to initiate apprenticeship and professionalization contracts online, including CERFA form editing. It facilitates communication between apprentices, companies, universities, and the CFA across the SUD Region.
• Livret d'Apprentissage / d'Alternance Électronique (Net-Ypareo) Online platform containing all information related to apprentices, companies, training programs, and apprenticeship contracts. Provides secure communication between company masters, university tutors, and apprentices, including consultation of company and contract information, alternation calendars, absence tracking, company visit reports, and online completion of the apprenticeship record.
• Plateforme Collaborative (Espace CFA Epure) Role-based secure web portal for apprenticeship stakeholders (training managers, secretariats, teachers, apprentices) to access relevant information throughout the academic year. Training opening requests are submitted through this platform, including online form completion and document uploads with CFA validation.
• Consortium FAME (Formasup Apprenticeship for Mobility in Europe) Erasmus+ accredited consortium initiated by Formasup PACA to enable international mobility for apprentices in higher education. Includes all four regional universities (Aix-Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Avignon), École Centrale Méditerranée, INSTN, and CFA Épure Méditerranée, enabling apprenticeships across European countries with Erasmus+ funding.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 8,000 alternates trained per year (7,600 apprentices + 400 professionalization contract alternates)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1993Aix-Marseille Université is one of the 4 founding university partners of Formasup Méditerranée. AMU hosts the IUT d'Aix-Marseille, which has been a partner of CFA Epure Méditerranée since its creation. The IUT celebrated the milestone of 1,000 apprentices in 2020. AMU President Éric Berton is a vocal advocate of apprenticeship as fundamental for student insertion. The partnership includes hundreds of apprenticeship programs across AMU sites.
• Université de Nice Côte d'AzurcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner of Formasup Méditerranée since the CFA's creation in 1993. The IUT Nice Côte d'Azur celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 with Formasup as a long-term institutional partner. Partnership includes the creation of alternation training programs from 1994 onwards, including the Master FOQUAL and Licence Professionnelle Industries Agroalimentaires.
• Université de TouloncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner of Formasup Méditerranée in the SUD Region. Hosts engineering programs (e.g., STMN diploma at CNAM Toulon) and participates in international mobility programs through the Consortium FAME.
• Université d'AvignoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner of Formasup Méditerranée in the SUD Region. The IUT d'Avignon collaborates with CFA Épure Méditerranée on the Licence Professionnelle Industries Agroalimentaires since 2021.
• École Centrale MéditerranéecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering school partner in the Consortium FAME and Formasup's network. Contributes engineering degree programs to the apprenticeship offer in the SUD Region.
• INSTN (Institut National des Sciences et Techniques du Nucléaires)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNuclear science and technology institute partner in the Consortium FAME. Offers specialized nuclear engineering apprenticeship programs through Formasup, including the Licence professionnelle Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire.
• Sciences Po AixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolitical science institute partner contributing to the Formasup apprenticeship network in the SUD Region.
• Région SUD (Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional council of SUD France is a key institutional partner and funder. Organizes the Mois de l'Apprentissage in partnership with FNADIR SUD and Formasup. Provides student transport subsidies (Pass ZOU Études at €90) and co-finances apprenticeship initiatives. The CFA was created under the auspices of the regional council.
• ANASUP (Association Nationale des CFA du Supérieur)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational association of higher education CFAs. Formasup PACA hosted the 5th national ANASUP encounters in Marseille on July 12, 2018. The association organizes national events and advocacy for higher education apprenticeship.
• MEDEF SUD (Union Patronale Régionale PACA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SUD Regional Employer Union is a co-founding member of Formasup Méditerranée (association loi 1901). Its professional branches participate in harmonizing regional university-level apprenticeship training offers and promoting apprenticeship development. Pierre Gattaz, former President of MEDEF, parrains the Consortium FAME.
• Consortium FAME (Formasup Apprenticeship for Mobility in Europe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+-accredited consortium initiated by Formasup PACA in January 2020, reducing barriers to international mobility for apprentices. Includes all 4 regional universities (AMU, UNSA, UTLN, UA), École Centrale Méditerranée, INSTN, and CFA Épure Méditerranée. Enables apprentices to undertake international study and work placements in Europe with Erasmus+ funding. Parrainé by Pierre Gattaz (Business Europe) and Sylvie Brunet (European Deputy).
• OPCO 2i (Opérateur de Compétences des Industries et des Services Associés)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOPCO 2i is the skills operator covering service industries. It funds apprenticeship and professionalization training costs, manages the CUFPA contributions from employers, and sets training cost rates. It also organizes events like Apprentiscène showcasing apprentice talents. Formasup works with OPCO 2i to process contracts and manage funding flows.
• Via HumanisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHousing partner that helps apprentices find accommodation near their host companies. Services include proposing at least 3 housing options (student residences, private landlords, real estate agencies), organizing viewings in a single day, assisting with rental applications, and providing fee-free reservations. Contact: 04 42 25 10 56 or [email protected].
• En Voiture SimoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDriving school partner offering discounted driving lessons to Formasup apprentices (permit at €139 including code + 20 hours of driving, versus the €400 below-average national price). The partnership includes a €500 state aid for apprentices' first driving licence. Discount code available via [email protected].
• FNADIR SUD (Fédération Nationale des Directeurs de CFA SUD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional federation of CFA directors organizing the Tournée de l'Apprentissage and the annual Mois de l'Apprentissage in partnership with Région SUD. Formasup actively participates in these regional promotion events.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CCI France Formation: Chambers of Commerce and Industry operate a nationwide network of training centers and CFAs serving apprenticeships. Broader geographic footprint than Formasup and overlapping apprentice-recruitment audience.
• Pôle Formation UIMM: Metallurgy industry's national training network offering apprenticeships (CFA UIMM) for industrial professions. Comparable in operating a CFA but specialized in the metallurgy/industrial vertical.
• AFPA: France's national vocational training association for adult learners, delivering apprenticeships and professional qualifications across many sectors. Much broader scope than Formasup but competing for the same employer OPCO-funded training demand.
• GRETA: National public education network for adult continuing education, including apprenticeship pathways. Operates a much broader catalogue of certifications across France — an incumbent competing for the same OPCO-funded demand.

Direct peers

• CFA Sup de V: Paris-based CFA dedicated to higher-education apprenticeship programs, with comparable university partnerships and Qualiopi-certified contract management. Direct competitor for the same French higher-education apprenticeship mandate.
• CESI: French network of engineering schools with strong apprenticeship (alternance) programs up to Bac+5. Comparable in offering higher-education apprenticeships combining academic learning with in-company experience.
• CFA AFTRAL: One of the largest French CFAs, focused on transport, logistics, and supply-chain apprenticeships. Directly comparable to Formasup as a multi-regional CFA managing apprenticeship contracts end-to-end, though operating in a different vocational vertical.
• Formasup Île-de-France: Same Formasup brand network in the Île-de-France region — operates under the same higher-education CFA model with university partners in Paris region. Direct functional peer and closest operational comparator.
• Cnam: Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers delivers higher-education programs (engineering degrees, professional licences, masters) including a significant apprenticeship track — directly overlapping with Formasup's Bac to Bac+5 university-level alternation offer.

Regional players

• AFPI: Industrial training associations (Association de Formation Professionnelle de l'Industrie) offering apprenticeships for industrial professions, primarily in regional clusters. Comparable CFA-style contract management for industrial employers, similar model but different sectors and regions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@formasup.mediterranee
• Facebookfacebook.com/formasup.mediterranee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/formasup-paca
• Instagraminstagram.com/formasup.mediterranee

Compliance4 records

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 FORMASUP PACA