Apprenticeship and training in the Canton of Vaud: a practical guide (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Apprenticeship lasts 3-4 years depending on the chosen trade
• Combines practical training in the company and theoretical teaching at school
• Salary established by the apprenticeship contract, not national
• Professional maturity allows continuation of studies after apprenticeship

Key facts

• What: Theoretical-practical training program in recognized trades
• When: Three or four years according to the chosen professional profile
• Where: Training company plus cantonal vocational school
• Who: Apprentice, employer, cantonal educational system
• Amount: Salary agreed in the apprenticeship contract

The structure of apprenticeship in Switzerland

In Switzerland, apprenticeship is one of the pillars of the educational system. In the Canton of Vaud, as in the rest of the country, vocational training combines theoretical teaching in vocational school and practical training on the field in a training company. This dual model allows apprentices to acquire concrete skills while continuing their general education.

The duration of the apprenticeship varies according to the chosen trade, typically between three and four years. During this period, the apprentice is subject to federal labor regulations, which include hourly limits and fundamental rights. According to the Swiss regulatory framework, young people under 20 are entitled to a minimum of five weeks of annual leave, while those over 20 benefit from a minimum of four weeks.

The Canton of Vaud, like other Swiss cantons, manages the offer of vocational schools and coordinates with training companies to ensure apprenticeship opportunities in various economic sectors. The responsibility for training is shared between the federal state, which sets professional standards, and the cantons, which organize the administration of school training.

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Operational details

Research and Application Channels in the Canton of Vaud

Finding an apprenticeship position in the Canton of Vaud can be done through various channels. Many companies that train apprentices advertise their opportunities directly on national job portals or through industry federations. The Canton of Vaud, through its professional guidance offices and secondary schools, provides resources and advice to guide young people in their search.

The cantonal chambers of commerce and industry, as well as the Swiss professional associations in various sectors, maintain databases of training companies willing to accept apprentices. It is advisable to start the search at least 12-18 months before the desired start date, as many companies select apprentices in advance. This period allows for evaluating more opportunities and making an informed choice.

Content of the Apprenticeship Contract

Once a company willing to train has been identified, the apprenticeship contract is signed. This document must contain essential elements: the name of the apprentice and the employer, the trade for which training is provided, the total duration of the apprenticeship (usually 3-4 years), the start date, the remuneration for each year of apprenticeship, weekly working hours, and days off.

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Key points

Professional Maturity and Continuing Education

Upon completing the apprenticeship, the apprentice obtains the Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate (EFZ) in the chosen trade. A significant advantage of the Swiss system is the possibility of obtaining professional maturity during or after the apprenticeship, which opens access to higher education courses at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS).

Professional maturity includes general subjects (languages, mathematics, sciences) alongside specialized disciplines and requires additional work compared to the standard apprenticeship path. In the Canton of Vaud, as in other Swiss cantons, attendance at professional maturity is funded by the public sector, although the responsibility for organization falls to the cantonal system. Admission requirements and schedules vary slightly between cantons.

Apprentice Rights According to Federal Law

Apprentices, like all workers in Switzerland, enjoy federal legal protection. Maximum working hours are set at 45 hours per week for sectors such as industry, offices, and retail, while other sectors can reach 50 hours per week. Breaks and rest periods are regulated to protect young workers from the risks of fatigue and dangerous working conditions.

Health insurance (LAMal/KVG) is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including apprentices, and must be taken out within three months of starting work. Contributions for federal social insurance (AVS/AHV and AI) begin on the first day of work: the employer pays the social contributions, while the apprentice contributes a share of the wages. These elements are an integral part of the Swiss social protection package.

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