6

In order to establish a closer connection between education and employment, promoters and organizers of training periods in “practice firms” (Entreprises d’entraînement) are developing a pre-professional, firm-based pedagogical approach. The purpose of this article is to present three mechanisms that have been adopted in France for implementing such an approach, as well as to situate it within a broader educational context. These modes of implementation include the alternation between theoretical training and more self-directed learning, as laid down in the EEP model; the selection and promotion of certain company tasks carried out as part of defined EE work placements; and lastly, the role of the classical school curriculum and training as a prerequisite in the application of the practice firm approach.