What is the typical duration of an internship in the canton of Basel-Country?

In the Swiss system, an internship typically lasts 3-4 years depending on the profession. The canton of Basel-Country follows this federal standard. The exact duration is defined in the traineeship contract and in the regulations for vocational training specific to the chosen profession, which can be checked through the Cantonal Training Office.

Does an apprentice have to pay AVS contributions?

Yes. From the first day of work, each apprentice pays 5.3% of the gross salary to the AVS/AI/IPG (Social Security and Disability) contributions. The employer pays 10.6%. If the annual salary exceeds CHF 3,725 (2026), contributions to unemployment (1.1%) are added. These are required by federal law.

How is an apprentice's salary established?

There is no Swiss federal minimum wage, but many cantons, including Basel Campagna, apply minimum guidelines by sector. The salary is negotiated between the company and the apprentice and must be specified in the written contract. It typically grows every year of the internship. It is advisable to check the recommendations of the Cantonal Training Office for your sector.

What happens if the internship contract is terminated before it expires?

During the first month (probationary period), both the company and the apprentice may terminate without notice and without reason. After the probationary period, the terms of termination are governed by federal law: up to 1 month for the remainder of the 1st year, 2 months for the 2nd and 3rd year, 3 months thereafter. Termination must be in writing.

How to access professional maturity after the internship?

Professional maturity is an additional certificate that allows access to University Vocational Schools (SUPs). It can be followed at the same time as the internship or immediately after. The canton of Basel-Country offers professional maturity courses coordinated with the school system. Detailed information is available from the Cantonal Training Office.

Apprenticeship in the canton of Basel-Country (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 2 September 2026

Young apprentices in a Swiss vocational training technical workshop

How to find an internship in the canton of Basel-Country, the training contract, salary, social contributions and the path to professional maturity.

Context

In brief

Swiss professional training combines company internship and school teaching for 3-4 years
Mandatory written internship contract with salary, duration, and job description
Apprentices pay AVS/AI/IPG contributions from the first day of work

Key facts

What: Dual training (company + school) leading to a federal certificate (EFA) or professional maturity
When: 3-4 year internship; typical start after compulsory schooling
Where: Canton of Basel-Landschaft, according to Swiss federal regulation
Who: Company, vocational school, cantonal education office, professional orientation center
Requirement: Written contract with employer before start

How professional training works in Basel-Landschaft

In the Swiss system, professional training is the most common path after compulsory schooling. The canton of Basel-Landschaft, like all cantons, follows the federal dual training model: the apprentice works in the company (3-4 days a week) and attends vocational school (1-2 days a week). The internship contract is the fundamental document. It must contain:

Start date and total duration
Description of professional activity
Gross monthly salary (variable by sector and canton)
Working hours (maximum 45 hours per week for industry and offices)
Duration of the trial period (typically 3 months)
Right to holidays (minimum 4 weeks annually; 5 for those under 20)
Provisions on illness, accident, special leaves

…

Operational details

Contract and remuneration: what to know

The traineeship contract is a binding agreement between the trainee and the company, often mediated by the Training Office of the canton Basel-Country or by the Vocational Guidance Centre. A copy must be given to the apprentice before commencement; no modification is valid without written agreement.

Compensation is not uniform: it depends on the sector and the canton Basel-Country may apply sector-specific guidelines (even if Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage). Typically:

First year: lower amount (training phase fee)
Subsequent years: progressive increase, sometimes with predefined steps in the contract

An internship in the technical sector could start from CHF 500-600 per month in the 1st year and grow to CHF 900-1'100 in the 4th year (indicative figures that vary by company and sector). You can check the net to take home using our calcolatore di busta paga.

Social contributions and coverage

Once the contract is signed, the apprentice is automatically enrolled in the following systems:

AVS/AI/IPG: The apprentice pays 5.3% of the gross salary. The employer pays 10.6% (both to the federal fund through the central deposit).

Unemployment Insurance (AD) and Insolvency Insurance (AC): If the annual salary exceeds CHF 3,725 (2026 annual ceiling), the AD/AC contribution of 1.1% is triggered up to the limit of CHF 148'200 of insured salary.

LAMal

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

How to find an internship in the canton of Basel-Landschaft

The search for an internship offer in the canton of Basel-Landschaft follows some established channels:

1. Contact the cantonal vocational guidance center: Each Swiss canton has a guidance office that publishes internship positions, organizes company presentation days, and supports young people in their professional choices. In the canton of Basel-Landschaft, this office manages a database of companies offering internships.

2. Consult national online platforms: Websites such as Swiss Apprenticeships (federal platform for internship searches) and cantonal portals list updated offers. Many regional companies also publish on their own websites.

3. Send spontaneous applications: Identify companies in the sector of interest (crafts, industry, trade, services) and send a request accompanied by a motivational letter, CV, and school report.

4. Participate in events: Many cantons organize career fairs where companies present their internship positions.

Required documents and timelines

To apply for an internship position, prepare:

Copy of the school report (typically the last 1-2 years)
Personalized motivational letter for the company
Curriculum vitae
Certificates of any experience (internships, summer jobs, volunteering)
Aptitude tests (if required by the company)

Applications must typically be submitted between September and January of the year before the desired start of the internship (which often begins in August or September).

Professional maturity and federal certificate

Once the internship is successfully completed and the federal exam (final AFC exam — Federal Certificate of Proficiency) is passed, the apprentice receives the federal certificate, recognized throughout Switzerland.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration of an internship in the canton of Basel-Country?: In the Swiss system, an internship typically lasts 3-4 years depending on the profession. The canton of Basel-Country follows this federal standard. The exact duration is defined in the traineeship contract and in the regulations for vocational training specific to the chosen profession, which can be checked through the Cantonal Training Office.
Does an apprentice have to pay AVS contributions?: Yes. From the first day of work, each apprentice pays 5.3% of the gross salary to the AVS/AI/IPG (Social Security and Disability) contributions. The employer pays 10.6%. If the annual salary exceeds CHF 3,725 (2026), contributions to unemployment (1.1%) are added. These are required by federal law.
How is an apprentice's salary established?: There is no Swiss federal minimum wage, but many cantons, including Basel Campagna, apply minimum guidelines by sector. The salary is negotiated between the company and the apprentice and must be specified in the written contract. It typically grows every year of the internship. It is advisable to check the recommendations of the Cantonal Training Office for your sector.
What happens if the internship contract is terminated before it expires?: During the first month (probationary period), both the company and the apprentice may terminate without notice and without reason. After the probationary period, the terms of termination are governed by federal law: up to 1 month for the remainder of the 1st year, 2 months for the 2nd and 3rd year, 3 months thereafter. Termination must be in writing.
How to access professional maturity after the internship?: Professional maturity is an additional certificate that allows access to University Vocational Schools (SUPs). It can be followed at the same time as the internship or immediately after. The canton of Basel-Country offers professional maturity courses coordinated with the school system. Detailed information is available from the Cantonal Training Office.