Doing an apprenticeship in Switzerland
In Switzerland, apprenticeship is the common term for vocational education and training (VET). If you want to receive vocational training in Switzerland you need to apply for an apprenticeship with a host company. If necessary, the company will initiate the application process for a work permit.
- You may begin an apprenticeship in Switzerland if you are at least 15 years old. There is no upper age limit.
- You need a residence permit and, depending on your country of origin, a work permit.
- There are special programs for foreign nationals who don't speak a Swiss national language and/or who don't have a residence permit.
Vocational education and training (VET) in Switzerland
In Switzerland, doing an apprenticeship is one of the most common educational paths after having completed mandatory schooling.
- You will learn your trade at a host company. Simultaneously, you will visit a VET school where you will study theoretical concepts in your line of work, and broaden your knowledge of general subjects.
- A Federal VET Certificate will be awarded upon completion of a two-year VET programme. A Federal VET Diploma will be awarded upon completion of a three- or four-year VET programme.
- With a Federal VET Certificate or Diploma, you will be able to enter the work force or pursue higher education.
- You will receive an apprentice's salary. In Switzerland, doing an apprenticeship is considered gainful employment, which means that it is possible your host company has to apply for a work permit for you.
Requirements to start an apprenticeship
Residence permit and work permit
Regardless of country of origin and personal situation, you have to apply for a residence permit with the authorities of your municipality of residence. You must do so within two weeks of entering Switzerland.
Since an apprenticeship is considered gainful employment, you have to check if you need to apply for a work permit.
- If you are an EU/EFTA national you do not need a work permit.
- If you are not an EU/EFTA national you must have a work permit. The host company with which you signed the apprenticeship contract will start the application process for you.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) offers a list of all EU/EFTA countries.
Information for VET trainers at host companies
Information for VET trainers who want to employ an apprentice who lives in Switzerland or will come to Switzerland for their apprenticeship and...
- is an EU/EFTA national
- is not an EU/EFTA national
- is a recognised refugee
- has been provisionally admitted
- is recognised as a person in need of protection
- is an asylum seeker
- is undocumented
If the apprentice is not an EU/EFTA national, your company has to apply them for a work permit. Depending on their residence permit, there might be a duty to report the apprenticeship contract. You can contact the immigration and employment market authorities of your Canton for more information.
vocationaleducation.ch offers relevant information on the topic in their fact sheet on vocational education and training for migrants.
Integration Pre-Apprenticeship Programme (INVOL)
The Integration Pre-Apprenticeship Programme (INVOL) prepares people who don't have one of Switzerland's national languages as their mother tongue and/or who have gaps in their education for their apprenticeship. The programme is addressed to refugees, people in need of protection, provisionally admitted people, and late-stage immigrants.
For the duration of one year, the participants usually work three days a week in a company and go to school for two days. In the process, they learn the necessary basic skills as well as the linguistic and technical principles in an occupational field before starting their apprenticeship.
Undocumented persons
Host companies may employ undocumented apprentices, as long as the following requirements are met:
- The applicant is able to provide proof of identity in a different form.
- They are well integrated in Switzerland and have not come into conflict with the law.
- They attended school in Switzerland for at least two years.
The host company contacts the cantonal migration and employment authorities for authorisation of the contract. If the contract is approved, the apprentice must apply for a residence permit for the duration of their employment. Upon comleting the apprenticeship, they must submit a new application for a residence permit if they wish to stay in Switzerland.