Apprenticeship and vocational training Schaffhausen (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Federal apprenticeship protected by contract: minimum 12 months before the start (CO art. 344-346)
• Salaries vary by canton and sector; negotiated between apprentice and employer
• Two final certifications: AFC (Professional Training Certificate) and MPC (Professional Maturity)
• Cantonal Vocational Training Office manages posts and registrations

Key facts

• What: Internship with employment contract + theoretical training in cantonal vocational school
• Where: Companies in the Canton of Schaffhausen + vocational school
• When: Average duration 3-4 years, usually beginning of September
• Who: Apprentice, employer, school, cantonal office
• Requirements: Completion of compulsory schooling, minimum 15 years
• Certifications: AFC or MPC, often both
• Hours: Maximum 45 hours/week (industry/offices), minimum 4 weeks annual holiday

The Swiss apprenticeship system in the Canton of Schaffhausen

Apprenticeships in Switzerland are regulated by the Federal Law on Vocational Training (LFPr 2002) and protected by the Code of Obligations (CO art. 344-346). In the canton of Schaffhausen, as in the other cantons, the system follows uniform federal rules, with cantonal management of the training offer and the available places.

A valid internship requires a written contract between apprentice and employer, signed at least 12 months before the actual start. The contract must contain: description of the professional activity, total duration (usually 3-4 years),

Operational details

How to find an internship in Schaffhausen

It is essential to start the research at least 18-24 months before the end of compulsory schooling. In the canton of Schaffhausen, the cantonal vocational training office maintains a public database of authorised companies and regularly publishes lists of available posts, which can also be consulted through national platforms such as Annunci di lavoro.

The main steps of the research:

1. Check the available sectors: metalworking, construction, sales, crafts and logistics are traditionally strong in the canton 2. Contact the cantonal office: free advice and referral to companies in line with interests and skills 3. Consult the company database: identify active employers and their training profiles 4. Apply directly: Submit CV, motivation letter, and school results (there is no federal minimum grade requirement, but many companies evaluate math, languages, and behavior) 5. Participate in cantonal orientation days: the canton organizes annual meetings between candidates and companies

Required skills and application timeline

Companies evaluate not only school grades, but also practical aptitude, concentration, precision, motivation expressed in the letter, personal hygiene and willingness to attend vocational school 1-2 days/week.

The ideal timeline: 7th year of school (informal research and visits), 8th year (formal applications and

Useful planning tools

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Key points

Compensation, apprentice rights and professional maturity

Salary: formation and variability

In Switzerland, there is no federal minimum wage for apprentices; the compensation is negotiated between the employer and the apprentice, often consulting trade union tariffs or local sectoral standards. In the canton of Schaffhausen, the level varies significantly by sector, company size and applicable collective agreements.

First year: contained compensation, linked to the initial learning phase. Second and third year: gradual increases according to acquired skills. Fourth year (if provided): approach to the salary of a qualified worker.

The compensation is paid monthly by the employer; the apprentice pays social security contributions (AVS/AI 5.3%, unemployment insurance 1.1%) on the gross salary, like every worker. The canton monitors that levels do not fall below reasonable thresholds, but does not impose uniform minimums.

Apprentice rights and duties

In addition to maximum working hours and minimum holidays, the apprentice has the right to:

• Protection of health and safety at work (equipment, training on risks)
• Theoretical education in a vocational school without loss of salary for attendance days
• Didactic material provided by the school (books, handouts)
• Periodic evaluations by the school and the employer to monitor the progress

The duties include: regular attendance at school, work loyalty, respect for company procedures, company confidentiality.

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