The Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir du Tour de France (AOCDTF) developed from the tradition of travelling crafts men. It supports the start into a professional career in the crafts sector as well as skilled peripatetic workers, who would like to gain further experiences at home and abroad. In cooperation with companies at home and abroad it offers vocational education and training in 23 professions in its own training centres within France and Europe. Frequently 5.200 apprentices are sent by crafts companies to the AOCDTF training centres. 3.000 skilled peripatetic workers gain further qualification with help of the organisation. 5.500 employees a year participate in AOCDTF seminars.

Part of the numerous international exchange programs is the annual exchange of joiner apprentices in cooperation with the Chamber of Crafts and Skilled Trades Münster. By 2010 all apprentices, who are trained in cooperation with AOCDTF, will have participated in a practical training abroad. The AOCDTF was partner within the Leonardo da Vinci Pilot Project “Apprenti(e)s Europe interactifs“ (www.aei-info.net) which aim it was to increase mobility.

www.compagnons-du-devoir.com