The ESCAET is helping both companies and students find alternance placements in the tourism sector. Many students in Bachelor and MBA Tourism programs are still looking for companies to support their skill development, despite some misconceptions that recruitment is already complete. This is an important issue as the tourism industry is preparing for its future workforce. While it is commonly believed that all recruitment decisions are made before summer, many interactions between students and recruiters are still happening, and some students may not have found an employer before starting their courses. The autumn remains a key time for both students and companies to connect. Under certain conditions, an apprentice can start their training at a CFA like ESCAET without an employer for up to three months before signing an apprenticeship contract. For those starting in October, the deadline to sign a contract is the beginning of January. Companies opening positions in October or November are still within the allowed timeframe, and this period aligns with when students are most actively seeking placements. A decree issued on March 6, 2026, has extended the exceptional aid for hiring apprentices for contracts starting before January 1, 2027. For students pursuing diplomas at the level of bac+3 to bac+5, the aid amounts to 2,000 euros for the first year in companies with fewer than 250 employees (750 euros beyond that, under certain conditions). A contract starting in December benefits from this aid, while one beginning in January does not. Employing an apprentice involves training a future professional, which requires genuine support from the company, tasks that match the apprentice’s level, and responsibilities that grow as their skills develop. This is also beneficial for the company, as it passes on its methods, tools, culture, and knowledge of the sector to a student who continues to learn at school. The apprentice gradually gains autonomy, and the company contributes to the training of future tourism professionals. ESCAET students in alternance follow a teaching method based on real projects, case studies, and a deep understanding of the tourism ecosystem, allowing them to quickly apply their knowledge. Two levels of apprentices can be recruited: Bachelor students specialized in Travel (level 6) prepare for operational roles in tourism and events, such as communication, marketing, sales, production, or project management. MBA students specialized in International Travel Management (level 7) develop skills more oriented towards strategy, management, and leadership, including product development, marketing, CRM, revenue management, project management, or event management. Thanks to the SAMII, its modular room, ESCAET allows its apprentices to attend classes live remotely. Only the start of the year, exams, and defenses take place in person in Aix-en-Provence. From November to April, apprentices attend six days of training per month and spend the rest of their time at their company. From May to September, their presence at the company is almost full-time. Throughout the year, they spend about 75% of their time at their company. ESCAET also supports recruiters by facilitating communication between companies and students, providing access to a CV database, and presenting candidates who match their needs. The school's team works with recruiters on their needs, the missions they envision, and the profiles they seek, continuing the recruitment initiatives the school offers to companies. Students from ESCAET are destined for various areas within the tourism and travel industries, including production, distribution, business travel, events, hospitality, destinations, and travel technology. At this time of year, a panel of students with diverse profiles and projects is still seeking an employer for their alternance. This support continues throughout the year.