What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in the Canton of Solothurn?

In the Canton of Solothurn, as in Switzerland, apprenticeships generally begin after compulsory schooling, around the age of 15. Each canton may set slightly different requirements, but access is guaranteed at the federal level for young people completing compulsory schooling. Some trades may have specific age requirements or previous training verifiable at the trade association.

Is it possible to change jobs during an apprenticeship in the Canton of Solothurn?

Yes, it is possible, albeit with administrative consequences. If the initial job is not suitable, you can look for a company willing to hire you as an apprentice in another job. This usually involves a new start or an advanced year according to the agreement with the new employer. It is advisable to evaluate this change within the first year to minimize school and contractual impacts.

How are apprentice salaries taxed in the Canton of Solothurn?

The apprentice salary is subject to federal, cantonal (including Canton Solothurn) and municipal taxes depending on the place of residence and the amount earned. The employer pays AVS, AI and occupational accident contributions. The apprentice receives a paycheck specifying gross, deductions, and net. Tax reductions may apply for amounts below the local taxable minimum.

What is the total cost to an employer of hiring an apprentice?

The total cost to the employer includes the apprentice's gross salary, employer contributions for AVS, AI and occupational accident insurance, and possibly company benefits. However, the apprentice is generally a long-term investment in specialized business skills. Many employers manage to keep the apprentice after the AFC in permanent and qualified roles. The exact cost depends on the trade and the duration of the journey.

Is there a guaranteed minimum wage for apprentices in the Canton of Solothurn?

At the Swiss federal level there is no single unified minimum wage for apprentices. However, the Canton of Solothurn and trade associations may set recommended minimum wages for specific categories of apprenticeships. It is advisable to check directly with the competent cantonal authorities or the trade association which is the minimum local in the chosen area of interest.

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

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Young apprentice working in a modern Swiss workshop laboratory with tools

How to find an internship position, enter into the contract, understand pay and social protections, AFC certification in the canton of Solothurn.

Context

In a nutshell

Active research: direct applications, online portals, vocational schools and associations
Internship contract: occupation, hours, salary, vocational school days
Salary: variable salary per year, social protection (AVS, AI, accidents)
Certification: AFC (Federal Certificate of Capacity) at the end

Key facts

What: Apprenticeship and dual vocational training
Where: Canton of Solothurn, central Switzerland
Duration: 3-4 years depending on the trade
Certificate: Swiss and European recognized AFC
Protections: AVS, AI, accident insurance, LAMal mandatory

Apprenticeships in the Canton of Solothurn follow the Swiss training model of alternating between company work and school training. It is a federally regulated path to ensure uniform standards, with the canton coordinating organization and pay aspects. Finding an internship requires active research: direct applications to companies, consultation of online databases, contacts with professional schools and trade associations. The search should start early, at least 12-18 months before the desired start date, to maximize the available opportunities. Each company has its own criteria and different timelines.

The search for an internship in the Canton of Solothurn

Applying for an apprenticeship in the Canton of Solothurn does not follow a centralised procedure. It is essential to directly contact companies in the sector of interest,

Operational details

The internship contract and the rights of the apprentice

The internship contract is a legal document that regulates the relationship between the apprentice and the company. It must clearly specify: start and end date, chosen profession, weekly working hours in the company, days dedicated to compulsory vocational school, gross monthly salary with any annual increases, duration of annual holidays, and other specific conditions. The contract must comply with the federal law on vocational training and the cantonal provisions of the Canton of Solothurn. Both parties sign the contract before the start of the journey. In the event of disputes over the terms, the cantonal authorities are competent to resolve the disputes.

Guaranteed pay and social protection

The salary of an apprentice in the Canton of Solothurn depends on the trade, the employer, and the year of apprenticeship attended. There is no single federal minimum wage for apprentices, but the Canton of Solothurn and trade associations may set recommended minimums. The first year of apprenticeship is generally less paid than the following ones; the salary increases progressively over the years. In addition to the salary, the apprentice benefits from guaranteed social protections: automatic payment of AVS contributions (Old Age and Survivors' Insurance), AI (Disability Insurance), and occupational accident coverage at work. The employer pays the employer contributions.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

Final Examination and AFC Certification

At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice takes a final professional maturity examination to obtain the AFC (Federal Certificate of Competence). The examination combines practical work on the job, evaluated by the employer and experts, and theoretical school professional, such as written, oral and laboratory tests. The final grade is a weighted average between the two areas. The AFC is recognized at the Swiss and European Union level, allowing access to qualified employment, subsequent studies in specialized institutes, or career advancement. Those who wish to continue with academic studies can integrate the path with a specialized maturity, an additional certification compatible with the apprenticeship that facilitates access to university studies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in the Canton of Solothurn?: In the Canton of Solothurn, as in Switzerland, apprenticeships generally begin after compulsory schooling, around the age of 15. Each canton may set slightly different requirements, but access is guaranteed at the federal level for young people completing compulsory schooling. Some trades may have specific age requirements or previous training verifiable at the trade association.
Is it possible to change jobs during an apprenticeship in the Canton of Solothurn?: Yes, it is possible, albeit with administrative consequences. If the initial job is not suitable, you can look for a company willing to hire you as an apprentice in another job. This usually involves a new start or an advanced year according to the agreement with the new employer. It is advisable to evaluate this change within the first year to minimize school and contractual impacts.
How are apprentice salaries taxed in the Canton of Solothurn?: The apprentice salary is subject to federal, cantonal (including Canton Solothurn) and municipal taxes depending on the place of residence and the amount earned. The employer pays AVS, AI and occupational accident contributions. The apprentice receives a paycheck specifying gross, deductions, and net. Tax reductions may apply for amounts below the local taxable minimum.
What is the total cost to an employer of hiring an apprentice?: The total cost to the employer includes the apprentice's gross salary, employer contributions for AVS, AI and occupational accident insurance, and possibly company benefits. However, the apprentice is generally a long-term investment in specialized business skills. Many employers manage to keep the apprentice after the AFC in permanent and qualified roles. The exact cost depends on the trade and the duration of the journey.
Is there a guaranteed minimum wage for apprentices in the Canton of Solothurn?: At the Swiss federal level there is no single unified minimum wage for apprentices. However, the Canton of Solothurn and trade associations may set recommended minimum wages for specific categories of apprenticeships. It is advisable to check directly with the competent cantonal authorities or the trade association which is the minimum local in the chosen area of interest.