Apprenticeship Aid Limited to Firms Under 250 Staff

The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that apprenticeship aid will be restricted to companies with fewer than 250 employees. This measure is pending the adoption of the 2026 finance law. A decree will be issued immediately following the budget's passage.

The specific parameters of the aid will depend on the credits voted by the legislature. Importantly, the new rules will not be retroactive. This decision links the availability of state support directly to the upcoming legislative budget cycle.

Apprenticeship aid will be strictly reserved for enterprises employing fewer than 250 staff members. This threshold defines the scope of the upcoming government support program. The restriction aims to target smaller entities within the economy.

Larger corporations with a workforce of 250 or more will not be eligible for this specific aid. The measure distinguishes between small and medium-sized enterprises and larger industrial groups. This distinction is a key factor in the government's allocation strategy.

The eligibility criteria are set to take effect following the legislative process. The Ministry of Labour has outlined these boundaries in its recent communications. The focus remains on supporting smaller business structures.

The implementation of the aid is contingent upon the 2026 finance law. The Ministry of Labour has stated that a decree will be taken as soon as the law is adopted. This sequence ensures that the aid is funded by the voted budget.

The timing of the aid is strictly non-retroactive. The new parameters will apply only to future actions taken after the decree is issued. Current apprenticeship arrangements are not affected by this pending change.

Key steps in the process include:

1. Adoption of the 2026 finance law.
2. Issuance of the specific decree.
3. Determination of aid parameters based on voted credits.

The exact amount of aid available will be determined by the voted credits. The Ministry of Labour noted that the parameters will be adjusted according to the budget allocated in the finance law. This creates a direct link between legislative spending decisions and the aid's value.

Because the parameters are flexible, the final figures cannot be confirmed until the budget is passed. This approach allows the government to calibrate the aid based on available fiscal resources. It ensures that the program remains within budgetary limits.

The financial scope of the aid is therefore dependent on the parliamentary vote. The Ministry of Labour will finalize the specific amounts once the funding is secured.

In summary, the apprenticeship aid program is undergoing significant changes tied to the 2026 budget. The restriction to companies with fewer than 250 employees highlights the government's focus on smaller businesses. Stakeholders must await the adoption of the finance law to understand the full scope of the support.

The non-retroactive nature of the decree means that the changes will apply strictly to future operations. Businesses are advised to monitor the legislative progress of the 2026 finance law. The Ministry of Labour will provide further details once the decree is issued.