CPF and the fifty-somethings: get trained!

An experienced generation, but poorly informed

Professionals aged 50 and over are often pillars of design teams: structural engineers, HVAC designers, architects or BIM coordinators. They lived through the shift from paper drawing to CAD, then to the digital model. Yet despite their expertise, they are rarely the first to take advantage of the continuing-education opportunities offered by the CPF.

In conversations with these professionals, two comments come up repeatedly:

These statements reveal a genuine lack of information, even though the CPF is an individual entitlement available to all working people, including experienced employees.

• "I don't know how to access my CPF account."
• "I thought it was only for young people or jobseekers."

An untapped lever for upskilling

Yet the CPF is a powerful tool, particularly for pursuing training in BIM, modelling software, project management or data management — all key skills in a sector undergoing change. On average, a professional in their fifties has more than €2,000 available in their CPF, sometimes much more, depending on seniority and career path.

This budget could fund, at no cost to the employer or employee:

• Software training (Revit, Archicad, Navisworks, etc.)
• BIM specialisations or digital as-built records
• Certifying remote learning programmes, with tutoring
• Refresher modules on regulations or collaborative tools

A lack of support and communication

Why is the CPF so little used in this age group? Several explanations stand out:

• The account has never been activated: the activation process can seem complex for those less familiar with online administrative platforms.
• The company doesn't communicate on the subject: the CPF often remains a personal matter, rarely built into internal training plans.
• Fear of irrelevance or being sidelined: some professionals mistakenly believe they no longer need training, or fear it might call their standing into question.

For professionals:

• Go to www.moncompteformation.gouv.fr
• Activate your account using your Social Security number
• Check your entitlements and look for training suited to your profession
• Don't hesitate to ask for support if you're not comfortable with digital tools

For companies:

Conclusion: fifty-somethings in the building sector hold invaluable know-how. But to keep pace in a constantly evolving digital environment, access to training is essential. The CPF is an opportunity — free, individual and flexible — that is still too often overlooked. It's time to change that.

• Run information sessions about the CPF
• Encourage senior staff to use their budget
• Target training that genuinely addresses the needs of the firm or practice