Irène Castell-Bachmann

Only in Switzerland

In the second half of 2016, two thirds of the 16 year old young people in Switzerland - as a rule - started an apprenticeship. This is characterised by a two-pronged (dual) structure - practical training in the company and the theoretical part in school.

Today, the Swiss economy offers apprenticeships in about 230 different professions. With this diversity, young people can find an apprenticeship that matches their abilities; provided they are prepared and willing, on the basis of their academic and personal development, to tackle the apprenticeship business from the outset and, at the same time, to acquire the school subject matter.

Demand-oriented training
Swiss companies are free to decide whether and in which areas of their field of activity they wish to offer apprenticeships. If they decide to offer apprenticeships, they do so according to their needs.

Special protection for apprentices
In view of their age, apprentices are specially protected by law, especially until their 18th birthday. Training companies must inform apprentices and their legal guardians about working conditions, possible dangers and health and safety measures taken. In addition, apprentices are subject to special regulations concerning working hours (daily working hours, evening working hours, night working hours, daily rest periods, Sunday work, overtime work). In addition, apprentices enjoy the same protection as adult employees in Switzerland (in particular as regards breaks, maximum weekly working hours and Fridays). As far as apprentices' holidays are concerned, they must be granted and taken without restriction. The apprenticeship company may determine the time of the holidays, but must take the interests of the apprentices into account.

Ongoing content adjustments
The trade associations and professional associations play a central role within the framework of dual vocational training. They make a decisive contribution to the ongoing development of the in-company and school-based content of vocational education and training in line with changing market needs. Vocational education and training thus remains up to date, a value that cannot be valued highly enough for the Swiss economy!

Best opportunities on the market
After successfully completing their apprenticeship, the young professionals trained and equipped with the professional experience and knowledge required on the market have the best chances of finding a job. And after acquiring further professional experience, they have access to a wide range of further training opportunities, for example to become a master craftsman, graduate from a university of applied sciences, etc.

All these elements make an apprenticeship in Switzerland attractive. A correspondingly large number of young people choose this path. This fact is largely responsible for the fact that Switzerland has very low unemployment rates among young people and young adults. Dual vocational training is an important pillar of the Swiss economy. In the context of the emerging demographic bottlenecks, the dual education system is becoming even more important; Switzerland is well equipped in this respect by international standards.