ESF+ 2025

Up to 50% of your training costs covered by your OPCO (Skills Operator)

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) program, "Employment, Inclusion, Youth and Skills," funds training initiatives through certain Skills Operators (OPCOs) that address major sectoral challenges: in-demand professions, career transitions, and transferable skills. Several OPCOs have extended funding until June 30, 2026.

The ESF+,
It's what ?

 

 

The European Social Fund (ESF+), under the 2021-2027 programming period, supports employment, education, training, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion in Member States. In France, a budget was allocated in 2025 to finance in-company training programs, distributed by the OPCOs (Skills Operators).

Who can benefit from it?

Eligible companies

The device is offered by 8 OPCO Constructys, OPCO 2i, Atlas, Afdas, Akto, Ocapiat, OPCO EP and OPCO Santé. All companies affiliated with these operators are eligible., regardless of their size — including artisans, associations and any entity with an economic activity. All employees are concerned.

Eligible training courses

Three main categories of training are funded:

  1. In-demand jobs in the sector, including management functions.
  2. The major transitions :
    • Digital technology: digitalization, combating digital illiteracy, cybersecurity, social networks, GDPR
    • Ecological: energy efficiency, biodiversity, waste management, eco-driving
    • Demographics: professionalization of management, intergenerational and inclusive management, training of trainers.
  3. Cross-functional, behavioral and managerial skills : project management, teamwork, communication, time management, leadership, negotiation, sales and marketing strategy…

All training courses are eligible, whether they lead to certification, qualifications, or not. However, mandatory training (safety, regulations) and, depending on the OPCO, internal training or asynchronous e-learning are excluded. Always confirm eligibility with your affiliated OPCO.

The OPCOs, the gateway to the system

Applications for ESF+ funding are submitted to your OPCO, which processes and approves the subsidies within the limits of the funds agreed upon with the State. Key point: The application must be submitted before the start of the training. — Requests made after startup are not taken into account.

Coverage of up to 50% of costs

  • 50 % of all costs training, regardless of company size
  • Covered costs: tuition fees, ancillary costs (accommodation, transport) and salaries, up to a limit specific to each sector
  • Any other form of public co-financing is excluded; additional funding may still be available through conventional funds or voluntary contributions, depending on the OPCO.
  • Each OPCO can set a spending limit per training program or per company.

Calendar: Don't delay

The initial deadline was set for December 31, 2025, but Several OPCOs have extended coverage until June 30, 2026. Contact your OPCO representative as soon as possible to confirm the deadlines applicable to your sector.

MDConseil Formation supports you

Our training programs are fully aligned with the priorities of the ESF+ 2025 — transitions, leadership, and transferable skills. We help you verify your project's eligibility and prepare your application before the training begins. See also our other programs OPCO funding.

Do you have a training project?

MDConseil Formation assists you in identifying the appropriate system and in preparing your funding applications.

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