For more than nine centuries “Les Compagnons du Devoir” has supported young people in developing their professional skills to a high standard in their chosen trade. Sharing knowledge and expertise travel and community living are the foundations of “Les Compagnons du Devoir”.Every year, our trainees (Journeymen) move from company to company, city to city, region to region, country to country for 4 to 6-year period, called “Tour de France”. Traveling with a tool box is an adventure, a voyage of self-discovery, broadening horizons and enhancing professional outlook. As we expect our trainees to be open to travelling abroad, we also welcome any young person wanting to come to train with us in France. Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France is a non-profit association and provides training from basic to advanced level in 31 trades, divided into six sectors: Construction, Interior fittings and finishes, Baking trades, Metal and industrial trades, Leather and upholstery, Rural trades.Les Compagnons du Devoir operates 40 vocational training centres across the country where we provide initial training for apprentices (generally about 16-years-old). The apprenticeship is a 2-3 year course where students alternate between 6 weeks working with their employers, and 2 weeks full-time residential training at our centres. During the 2-week block, students are living and working alongside qualified and experienced “journeymen” (see below). On completion students receive a recognized qualification in their chosen trade. We also provide higher level training for qualified trades people. This is based on a “journeyman” model where the trainee hones their skills, travelling from town to town, working in different companies during the day, while living in one of our 80 houses, providing accommodation in a community environment.