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An apprenticeship in Switzerland opens up prospects for the future

08.12.2023 – Ruth von Gunten

Do you know exactly what a plastics technologist or an arboriculturist does? These are just two of around 245 professions in which young people, and also adults, can complete an apprenticeship in Switzerland. Last August, more than 70,000 young people, that is about two thirds of all school leavers, started an apprenticeship.

Why a vocational apprenticeship

An enormous range characterizes the 245 professions for which apprenticeships are offered in Switzerland – from arboriculturist …

An apprenticeship is very varied, and allows the apprentice to plunge straight into the working world. The training takes place three to four days a week in a private or public company and one to two days a week at vocational school. There are also a few full-time vocational schools.

A plus point is the small wage that the apprentice earns throughout the training.

Prospects after the VET vocational diploma

An apprenticeship lasts three or four years, depending on the profession. Those who complete their apprenticeship and gain the Federal VET Diploma are well prepared for work in their chosen profession. The Swiss labour market is constantly on the lookout for people with expert skills. There are numerous in-service training opportunities for professionals, including federal examinations and diplomas.

During or after the apprenticeship, it is possible to complete the vocational baccalaureate, which opens the way to universities of applied sciences. Like the “traditional” universities, these offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes and are very practice-oriented.

Required language skills

Depending on the language region, knowledge of French, German or Italian is required. Usually, for an apprenticeship a B2 level is required, and for skilled trades a B1 level.

How and where to find an apprenticeship

… to plastics technologist. What all apprenticeships have in common is that they combine practical training in a company with theoretical training at a vocational school. Photos: Keystone

You can find out how and where to find apprenticeships on the official website of the Swiss vocational, educational and career guidance service www.berufsberatung.ch . All professions are presented there in detail alongside a list of vacant apprenticeship positions. In addition, many companies publish vacancies on their websites or on job portals.

Your application must be prepared with care. The dossier should contain a CV, a letter of motivation and other documents such as certificates, relevant diplomas and grades from the last school year. The letter of motivation should be clearly formulated, but not too long, and it should make clear why you are seeking this particular training.

On the above-mentioned website you will find many useful tips for compiling your dossier. Some companies also require an aptitude test such as the Multicheck. More about the Multicheck at: revue.link/multicheck.

Finances

The salary an apprentice earns is not enough to ensure financial independence. However, if parents are not able to support their children financially, there is the possibility of applying for scholarships. The staff at educationsuisse will be happy to advise you on this as well as on all other topics related to education in Switzerland. Educationsuisse, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Bern, Switzerland, +41 31 356 61 04, info@educationsuisse.ch, educationsuisse.ch

Scholarships for vocational training or university studies in Switzerland

The “Foundation for the Swiss Abroad” has been managing funds since 1961 to support young Swiss abroad who wish to complete a vocational apprenticeship or university studies in Switzerland and whose families do not have sufficient resources. For further information and to submit a scholarship application, please contact educationsuisse, education in Switzerland, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Bern, Switzerland, Tel. +41 31 356 61 04, info@educationsuisse.ch

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