Understanding OPCOs: Do you know how to fund your training?
Funding for professional training is a major challenge for companies looking to develop their employees’ skills. Are you familiar with OPCOs and their vital role in this area? At ÉcloHésion, we help you navigate this landscape so you can optimize your training programs.
What is an OPCO?
Skills Operators (OPCOs) are organizations responsible for assisting companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—with the financing and management of vocational training. They collect contributions from companies and redistribute these funds to support various training programs.
Their work doesn't stop there: they also provide guidance on developing training plans and support skills development initiatives.
What programs can be funded by OPCOs?
- The Skills Development Plan
This plan provides funding for employee training based on the needs identified by the company. Organizations with fewer than 50 employees often receive partial or full coverage from their OPCO. - The Professional Training Contract
Designed to promote the professional integration of young people and job seekers, this contract combines classroom training with on-the-job experience. The OPCO covers a portion of the training costs. - The Pro-A Program (Retraining or Career Advancement through Work-Study Programs)
This program enables employees to enhance their skills or retrain through work-study training programs co-funded by the OPCO. - The FNE-Formation
This program is designed to support employee training in response to economic, technological, or organizational changes. The OPCO helps companies access this funding.
Spotlight on the Skills Development Plan (SDP)
The Training Policy Document (TPD) is a strategic tool that enables a company to structure its training policy by aligning employee needs with organizational objectives. It promotes the continuous adaptation of skills in response to market changes, thereby contributing to the company’s competitiveness.
The Skills Development Plan (SDP): A Strategic Tool for Your Business
Effective January 1, 2019, the PDC replaced the previous training plan. It encompasses all training initiatives, skills assessments, validation of prior learning (VAE), and apprenticeships that the employer offers to its employees. The goal is to ensure that employees are well-suited to their roles, to maintain their employability, and to develop their skills in line with the company’s needs.
What types of initiatives can be included in the PDC?
- Mandatory or required training: training that is a prerequisite for performing a job or function, in accordance with an international agreement or legal and regulatory provisions. Such training must take place during working hours, with the employee’s pay continuing to be paid.
- Other training initiatives: designed to develop employees’ skills without being required by law. These may take place during working hours or, under certain conditions, outside of working hours, with the employee’s consent.
The Role of OPCOs in Funding the PDC
For companies with fewer than 50 employees, OPCOs may fund all or part of the initiatives outlined in the PDC. For companies with more than 50 employees, funding comes primarily from the company’s own resources.
In 2025, several changes are worth noting: for example, higher funding limits for certification programs listed in the RNCP and specific criteria tailored to different professional sectors.
How can I access OPCO funding?
- Identify your affiliated OPCO: This depends on your industry.
- Identify your training needs: Develop a skills development plan.
- Submit your funding application: Send it to your OPCO in accordance with current procedures.
It is important to note that coverage requirements may vary depending on industry-specific agreements and ongoing regulatory reforms.
Why can ÉcloHésion help you?
Our expertise in training management allows us to help you identify the solutions best suited to your needs. We guide you every step of the way to optimize your funding and turn training into a real driver of performance.
