Today, there are more and more ways of funding training for athletes.
As we mentioned in our previous article, one of the key players in the field of sports training is the skills operator, AFDAS.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at its role and how it works, to provide you with all the practical information you need.
What is a skills operator or OPCO?
A skills operator (OPCO) is a publicly-funded structure that guarantees apprenticeships and the development of training in the various existing trades.
As mentioned in the introduction, the OPCO for the sports sector is AFDAS.
What is AFDAS?
AFDAS, like the other skills operators, looks after the professional training of its members.
These are mainly members of the sports sector, but also of the artistic professions.
The organization supports and finances member companies in the ongoing professional training of their employees.
It is also in charge of work-study schemes and helps your clubs set up their skills development plans.
AFDAS also offers “turnkey” training courses, as well as other schemes such as ACC (skills assessment) in partnership with sports unions such as SNB and FNASS.
Last but not least, it manages the commission for high-level athletes (SHN), which helps finance training projects for athletes registered on the ministerial high-level lists.
Who can benefit from AFDAS assistance and support?
All players in the sports sector can benefit from AFDAS support.
All clubs and their employees can therefore take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their skills and validate their acquired knowledge!
Today, many clubs and players turn to AFDAS for training, particularly as part of a club project.
For example, a player’s professional development within the club as a future team manager.
What training courses are financed by AFDAS?
A wide range of training courses can be financed by your club’s AFDAS funds:
– University or RNCP training courses;
– Qualiopi training courses;
– State-approved training courses;
– AFDAS “turnkey” training courses.
How does AFDAS funding work?
Each club pays an annual contribution to AFDAS.
These contributions are included in employers’ contributions.
At the beginning of each year, the vocational training funds allocated to each club are reset to zero, and are determined in part by the amount of dues collected the previous year.
Training applications are therefore more likely to be accepted at the start of the year, and the amounts allocated will also be slightly higher.
Each application is examined and funding is determined according to the cost of training and the relevance of the project.
Obviously, if the club has submitted other applications in the same year, the funds allocated will be distributed according to the funds remaining. The application may also not be accepted.
Your training can be covered at 100% or in large part, which will be a real plus in your training process!
How do I access AFDAS funding?
You’ll inevitably need to contact your employing club.
Indeed, professional training funds are only accessible through your employer and its skills development plan.
The AFDAS and the club will then put together your application, for which you will be asked to provide an estimate of the training you require, as well as an educational program.
The SNB can of course help you and your club to better understand these procedures.
As for the ACC (Skills assesment), which we’ll be coming back to shortly, you won’t have to go through your club and can deal directly with the training organization.
An example of an AFDAS scheme is “turnkey” training:
These are non-degree-granting courses enabling you to train in certain skills in particular:
– Management ;
– Computer language ;
– Foreign languages;
– Software use and many others…
Most are available remotely, last several dozen hours and can be taken during your season.
They are AFDAS-approved, so the financing and support processes run smoothly. This guarantees the quality of our training structures and content.
Would you like more information about AFDAS, or would you like support with your career training project?
Contact your training consultant, Arthur Daroux