Apprenticeship: practical guide in the Schaffhausen Canton

Context

TL;DR

• Swiss apprenticeships last 2-4 years, alternating between a company and a vocational school
• Salaries vary by canton and sector, increasing progressively throughout the training program
• At the end, one obtains the Federal Vocational Certificate (AFP) or the Federal Certificate (CPF)

Key facts

• What: Dual vocational education and training governed by the Federal Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act (LFPr)
• Where: Applied in the Canton of Schaffhausen and all 26 Swiss cantons
• Duration: 2 years for AFP, 3-4 years for CPF
• Who: Managed by cantons and companies, supervised at federal level by SECO
• Qualification awarded: Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate (AFP) or Federal Certificate (CPF)

Apprenticeships represent the most common training pathway among young Swiss people. In the Canton of Schaffhausen, as in the other 25 cantons, they operate according to the dual system: young people alternate days of work in a company with days of classes at a vocational school. This model ensures the simultaneous acquisition of practical skills and theoretical knowledge in the classroom.

The duration varies depending on the sector and certification level. A Federal Vocational Certificate (AFP) requires 2 years, while a Federal Certificate (CPF) entails 3 or 4 years. At the end, the apprentice takes federal examinations and obtains a nationally recognized qualification.

The dual model and the role of the cantons

The Canton of Schaffhausen, like all Swiss cantons, manages the administrative aspects of vocational education and training: it recognizes companies authorized to host apprentices, oversees compliance with quality standards, and coordinates vocational schools. The regulatory framework is established at federal level: SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs establish national standards for contracts, cantonal minimum wages, rights and obligations.

Companies invest resources in training, pay apprentices compensation proportionate to their experience, and guarantee constant supervision. In return, they develop staff trained according to their standards and often retain apprentices as employees after they obtain the qualification.

Operational details

Apprentice salaries and remuneration

One of the most frequently asked questions is: how much does an apprentice earn? In the Swiss system, salaries vary significantly by canton, sector and year of training. In the Canton of Schaffhausen, as in the other cantons, there is no uniform federal minimum wage for apprentices — each canton negotiates collective agreements in the various sectors (industry, commerce, skilled trades, hospitality, healthcare, education).

Salaries increase from year to year: the first year is the least well paid, while the third and fourth years are the highest paid. An apprentice in the industrial sector typically earns more than one in the hotel sector. SECO periodically publishes official statistics on the subject, available on the federal authority's website and that of the Schaffhausen cantonal administration.

Rights and duties during the apprenticeship

During the apprenticeship, the apprentice benefits from specific protections established by the Federal Act on Vocational and Professional Education and Training:

• Rest: Right to daily and weekly rest in accordance with the Federal Labour Act (maximum 45 hours of work per week for most sectors)
• Holidays: Minimum annual leave of at least 4 weeks for those under 20, 4 standard weeks for everyone else (variable according to collective agreement)
• Safety: Protection of health and safety at work (supervision by SUVA, the federal body that manages accident insurance)
• School: Right to time off to attend vocational school without loss of salary (school days counted as working days)

The apprentice undertakes to attend vocational school regularly, comply with working hours, acquire skills according to the training plan and pass the intermediate and final examinations.

The apprenticeship contract

Every apprenticeship is governed by an apprenticeship contract (standardized federal document), signed by the company, the apprentice and the parents if the apprentice is a minor. The contract specifies: occupation and host company, total duration and start date, monthly or annual salary, weekly working hours, holiday periods and termination arrangements (probationary period usually 1–3 months).

The contract must be drawn up before the apprenticeship begins and filed with the competent cantonal authority in Schaffhausen. In the event of disputes, it is possible to appeal to the cantonal vocational education and training office or the cantonal labour courts.

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Key points

How to find an apprenticeship position in the Canton of Schaffhausen

Looking for an apprenticeship position is a delicate step that requires planning and persistence. In the Canton of Schaffhausen, interested young people can follow a tried-and-tested procedure.

Step 1: Identify the sector and profession

Switzerland recognizes more than 250 professions in which it is possible to complete an apprenticeship. Before beginning the search, it is important to choose a sector that matches your interests (industry, commerce, crafts, hospitality, healthcare, education, IT) and your abilities. SECO and the cantons publish the complete list of available professions online, with detailed descriptions of the tasks and entry requirements.

Step 2: Consult specialized job portals

Online platforms such as job.ch and yousty.ch collect apprenticeship listings from companies throughout Switzerland, including the Canton of Schaffhausen. You can filter by canton, sector, starting year and level (EBA or EFZ). Many companies in Schaffhausen publish their positions with set application deadlines, usually 6-9 months before the apprenticeship begins in September.

Step 3: Contact companies directly

Not all companies publish their listings online. You can send unsolicited applications to companies in the Canton of Schaffhausen in your chosen sector, attaching a CV and school references. A personalized letter highlighting your motivation for the specific sector increases the chances of receiving a positive response.

Step 4: Contact the cantonal vocational training office

Every canton, including Schaffhausen, has an office that provides free advice on apprenticeship pathways, lists of authorized companies and information on cantonal standards. Staff can direct young people to specialized mentors and guidance professionals.

Step 5: Attend trade fairs and recruitment events

The Canton of Schaffhausen periodically organizes apprenticeship fairs, career fairs and direct meetings between companies and interested young people. These events are valuable opportunities to meet entrepreneurs, ask direct questions, collect information material and receive apprenticeship offers.

Timing and deadlines

In the Swiss system, applications for apprenticeships starting in September are generally submitted between January and May of the previous year. It is essential to plan ahead: if you are interested in an apprenticeship starting in September 2027, you should begin your search in the first months of 2026.

Calculate your potential salary during your apprenticeship and compare salary levels across different sectors with our calcolatore di retribuzione. You will get a realistic estimate of your earnings and be able to better assess your career choices.