What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in Glarus?

Usually 15 years of age (end of compulsory schooling), but the active search for the place begins between the ages of 14-16. There is no legal upper limit, but most start directly after compulsory school. The contract must be signed before the actual start of training, with parental consent if the young person is under 18 years of age.

How much does an apprentice earn in the first year?

There is no uniform federal minimum wage in Switzerland. In the Canton of Glarus, wages vary by profession: usually CHF 500-800 gross per month for the first year, increasing in subsequent years. The employer must declare annual increases in the contract (typically +100-150 CHF/year). Check the sector collective agreement or the cantonal rules specific to the chosen trade.

What are the apprentice's holiday rights in Glarus?

Minimum 4 weeks per year paid; 5 weeks if less than 20 years old. The holidays are covered by the employer. The employer cannot prevent concentrated holidays in summer or school periods, but must agree on dates according to operational needs. Cantonal and federal holidays are covered separately from the annual holidays.

Can I mature professionally while I am still an apprentice?

Yes, MP+AFC integrated path is possible. In many cantons, including Glarus, it is possible to attend MP during the 3rd or 4th year of apprenticeship, or after completing the AFC. MP requires 1-2 years of additional study (usually 1-2 school days per week). The cost is covered by the canton; check if the employer partially covers hours of absence per study.

What if we want to terminate the apprenticeship contract?

In the first 3 months: both parties may withdraw without specifying cause, with notice of only 7 days. After 3 months: 1 month's notice at the end of the month (except for serious cases such as serious contractual breaches). It is always advisable to involve the cantonal training office for mediation and documentation.

Apprenticeship and training in the Glarus Canton (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 23 August 2026

Young apprentice learning woodworking skills with experienced craftsman in Swiss vocational training

Complete guide to job search, contract, salary and professional maturity: rights of the apprentice and procedure in the Canton of Glarus.

Context

In a nutshell

Swiss vocational training combines school lessons and practical training in the company (dual system)
The search for the place usually begins between the ages of 14-16 through cantonal portals and direct contacts
The apprentice has protected rights: reduced hours, holidays, guaranteed AVS/AI contributions
Professional maturity allows access to higher education at the end of the AFC

Key facts

What: Dual vocational training system (lessons + practice in the company)
Where: Canton Glarus with federal rules common to all Swiss cantons
When: Start usually after compulsory school, between 14-16 years
Who: Apprentice, employer, vocational school, cantonal office
Duration: 2-4 years according to profession and qualification
Recognition: AFC (Certificate of Vocational Training) at the federal level
Fees: Maximum time 45 hours/week, minimum 4 week holidays, AVS/AI/IPG contributions

Swiss vocational training is based on a consolidated dual model: the apprentice alternates theoretical lessons at a vocational school and practical training at a company, acquiring skills and knowledge recognized at the federal level. In the Canton of Glarus, as in all Swiss cantons, this path culminates in obtaining the AFC (Certificate of Vocational Training) managed by AFC/ESTV and paves the way for professional maturity for those who want to continue with higher education.

The search for the place of

Operational details

The apprenticeship contract represents the fundamental pact between young people and the company and is formally binding. It must be signed and filed with the cantonal office before the actual start of training. It must compulsorily contain: exact name and professional qualification of the trade, total duration of the apprenticeship (2, 3 or 4 years depending on the degree), average weekly hours, gross monthly or annual salary with indication of the expected annual increases, precise start and end dates, professional school attended, number and duration of holidays, criteria and early termination procedure (in case of unsuitability, serious breach of obligations, supervening impossibility), any non-competition clauses (if legitimate according to law).

The rights of the apprentice are strictly protected by federal and cantonal legislation. The maximum hours do not exceed 45 hours per week for industrial and sales sectors, and normally 50 hours for other sectors (with exceptions). A weekly rest of at least 1 consecutive day, nightly rest between work and work, and breaks during the working day (minimum 15 min every 2 hours, according to law) are guaranteed. The minimum holiday is 4 weeks per year; 5 weeks if the apprentice is under 20 years of age at the time of signing. Night or Sunday work is not allowed, except for exceptions provided for specific trades (specialized crafts, catering) with

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

How to Concretely Start an Apprenticeship

The procedure for starting an apprenticeship follows precise and timed steps. Phase 1 (14-15 years): Consultation at the school's guidance office or the cantonal professional guidance portal berufsberatung.ch. Concrete identification of trades and corresponding companies that match personal interests, abilities, and geographical availability. Phase 2 (15-16 years): Sending written applications (motivational letter + curriculum vitae), participating in introductory interviews, and passing attitudinal or technical tests according to the trade. Phase 3 (February-June of the previous year): Signing the apprenticeship contract 1-2 months before the end of compulsory school. Phase 4 (first working day): Registration at the competent vocational school, signing the LAMal insurance policy at the chosen bank, and the first day of work at the company.

During the apprenticeship (3-4 years), the young person attends vocational school 1-2 days a week (sometimes organized in intensive weekly blocks); the rest of the week (4-5 days) is spent working at the company and acquiring practical skills. Continuous and formalized relationship between the employer, the vocational school teachers, and the apprentice through digital learning records (documentation of progress, attitudes, and acquired skills). Periodic intermediate exams and practical aptitude tests. At the end of 3-4 years, a complex final exam (practical at the company, theoretical and transversal at the school) to obtain the Federal Certificate of Professional Education (AFC).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in Glarus?: Usually 15 years of age (end of compulsory schooling), but the active search for the place begins between the ages of 14-16. There is no legal upper limit, but most start directly after compulsory school. The contract must be signed before the actual start of training, with parental consent if the young person is under 18 years of age.
How much does an apprentice earn in the first year?: There is no uniform federal minimum wage in Switzerland. In the Canton of Glarus, wages vary by profession: usually CHF 500-800 gross per month for the first year, increasing in subsequent years. The employer must declare annual increases in the contract (typically +100-150 CHF/year). Check the sector collective agreement or the cantonal rules specific to the chosen trade.
What are the apprentice's holiday rights in Glarus?: Minimum 4 weeks per year paid; 5 weeks if less than 20 years old. The holidays are covered by the employer. The employer cannot prevent concentrated holidays in summer or school periods, but must agree on dates according to operational needs. Cantonal and federal holidays are covered separately from the annual holidays.
Can I mature professionally while I am still an apprentice?: Yes, MP+AFC integrated path is possible. In many cantons, including Glarus, it is possible to attend MP during the 3rd or 4th year of apprenticeship, or after completing the AFC. MP requires 1-2 years of additional study (usually 1-2 school days per week). The cost is covered by the canton; check if the employer partially covers hours of absence per study.
What if we want to terminate the apprenticeship contract?: In the first 3 months: both parties may withdraw without specifying cause, with notice of only 7 days. After 3 months: 1 month's notice at the end of the month (except for serious cases such as serious contractual breaches). It is always advisable to involve the cantonal training office for mediation and documentation.