I just read closer and saw your interest in chocolate.
I have heard that there is a bit of a shortage of young chocolate makers, that it's an aging population, if you're interested. To train, there's CAP - Candidates for the Certificat d'Aptitude Professionelle can train at an apprentice center (they call them CFAs). These are long programs though, I think two years for the CAP if it's in chocolate making and confectionery, or you can do two years in a patisserie then do a year specializing in chocolate and confectionery. You sign a contract with a business at the beginning.
There are all sorts of guilds in France, L'academie Francaise du Chocolate et de la Confiserie, Confrerie des Chocolatiers Francais... maybe someone could point you in a direction. Or you could look for listings of top chocolate makers and go from there. (hint, no shortage of them in Paris, but there are many in other locations).
In January there are a couple events, Intersuc, (of chocolate making as well as baking, etc.) in Paris, and ISM the International Confectionery Exhibit at the Salon de Cologne, 12 rue Chernovitz, Paris. Maybe those are some ideas as places to start too.  |