FIS recently visited Les Compagnons du Devoir in Strasbourg, alongside representatives from Locker & Riley, George Jackson Limited, and Saint-Gobain Formula, to gain first hand insight into one of Europe’s most renowned vocational training and apprenticeship systems.
Founded in the Middle Ages, Les Compagnons du Devoir has built a long-standing reputation for delivering high quality apprenticeship programs across construction, metalwork, woodworking, and other skilled trades. Its model, combining hands on experience, structured classroom learning, mentorship, and mobility across regions is widely regarded as a benchmark for vocational education.
Its influence extends well beyond France, with European trade bodies, governments, and 21,000 employers often looking to Les Compagnons as an exemplar of structured, effective skills development that produces highly capable, versatile tradespeople.
The visit offered FIS a unique opportunity to see how Les Compagnons du Devoir combines hands on experience, structured classroom learning, and mentorship to develop highly skilled tradespeople across construction and other sectors.
We were particularly interested in how the model integrates work placements with personal development and mobility, enabling apprentices to gain experience across multiple regions and companies.
During the visit, we toured training facilities, observed workshops in action, and met with tutors and apprentices to understand the balance between practical skills, theoretical learning,professional culture and equally as important, the way they live and eat, in building those life-long skills and community. They also discussed the organisation’s approach to quality assurance, skills certification, and career progression.
FIS Head of Skills and Training Beena Nana said:
“With ongoing skills shortages, it’s inspiring to see a structured, practical approach that combines practical experience with high quality training. Learning from proven models like Les Compagnons du Devoir provides real opportunities to explore how similar systems could be implemented in the UK. Collaboration and knowledge sharing like this will be key to building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.”
FIS is exploring how key elements of the Les Compagnons du Devoir model could be adapted to the UK context to strengthen skills development across the sector.
By combining practical experience with structured classroom learning, mentorship, and opportunities for mobility between companies, the UK could develop a more flexible, skilled, and resilient workforce.
While the approach would need to reflect UK industry needs, regulations, and apprenticeships, learning from this proven European model offers practical insights into how a structured, high quality training system can address current and future skills shortages.”
