What is the difference between an AFC and a CFC in the canton of Lucerne?

The Federal Certificate of Competence (AFC) and the Certificate of Vocational Education and Training (CFC) are two nationally recognised vocational diplomas. The main difference concerns the level of specialization and duration: the CFC is generally broader and more in-depth, while the AFC is more oriented towards specific practical skills. Both are valid in the canton of Lucerne and in the rest of Switzerland, and allow entry into the labour market or continuation towards higher education.

How many weeks of holiday does an apprentice have?

An apprentice under the age of 20 is entitled to a minimum of 5 weeks holiday per year. After the twenty-first birthday, the right remains for at least 4 weeks per year, unless otherwise agreed in the collective labour agreements. The employer will set the holiday schedule in agreement with the apprentice, respecting school attendance periods.

Can I terminate the apprenticeship contract before the end?

Yes, the apprenticeship contract can be terminated with a period of notice. During the first year, the notice is 1 month; from the second year until the ninth year it is 2 months. After the tenth year, the notice is 3 months. Both parties (employer and apprentice) must comply with these terms and provide written notice.

How does health insurance work during an apprenticeship?

Health insurance (LAMal) is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including apprentices. It must be stipulated within 3 months of the start of employment. The apprentice or parent chooses the sick fund from those available in the canton of Lucerne and pays the premium directly. Many cantons, including Lucerne, offer subsidies to reduce the premium for low-income youth.

What professional sectors offer apprenticeships in the canton of Lucerne?

In the canton of Lucerne, apprenticeships are available in numerous sectors: construction, metalworking, trade, health, agriculture, IT, tourism, crafts, gastronomy and many others. For a complete list of available professions and training companies in your canton, consult the official Lucerne vocational guidance websites and the national traineeship research platforms.

Apprenticeship in Lucerne: contract, salary and maturity (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 3 September 2026

Swiss apprentice in technical workshop learning practical skills with experienced mentor

How to find an apprenticeship position in the Canton of Lucerne, what the apprenticeship contract must contain and how to obtain professional maturity: practical guide.

Context

In brief

Apprenticeship: 3-4 year path between school and company
Mandatory written contract with monthly salary
Recognized diploma at the end of the path (professional maturity)
Opportunities for all professional sectors

Key facts

What: Dual training system (work + vocational school)
Where: Canton of Lucerna (available in all sectors)
Duration: Typically 3-4 years
When: Usually starts after compulsory schooling
Outcome: Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (VET) or specialized diploma (CFC)

Apprenticeship represents in Switzerland one of the main professional training paths for young people. In the Canton of Lucerna, as in all Swiss cantons, the system works according to a dual model: the apprentice works in a company on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while attending vocational school on Thursday and Friday (the proportions vary by sector).

The first step is to find a company willing to train an apprentice. Apprenticeship offers are published on national platforms, on the canton websites, and at regional professional guidance offices. In the canton of Lucerna, the Professional Guidance Office provides lists of training companies and available offers. To discover the available apprenticeship positions, consult the job offers in your canton.

Structure and duration of the apprenticeship

The typical duration of an apprenticeship is three or four years, depending on the sector and the chosen level of specialization. Some sectors (such as construction) provide a three-year path, while others (such as pharmacy or IT) require four years. During the apprenticeship, the apprentice follows a practical training program in the company and a theoretical program at the vocational school.

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Operational details

Apprenticeship contract and remuneration

A written contract is mandatory for every apprenticeship. The contract must specify the training company, the apprentice, the profession taught, the duration of the internship, the weekly working hours, and the monthly salary. The contracting parties must sign the document, which represents the legal basis of the training relationship.

The apprentice's remuneration varies depending on the year of training. In the first year, the monthly salary is lower; it increases progressively in the following years. These amounts are set by collective labor agreements (CCL) for sector and canton. In the Canton of Lucerne, as in other cantons, employers operating in sectors regulated by CCL must comply with the minimum salary thresholds defined by the contract itself.

In addition to the gross salary, federal social contributions apply to the apprentice's remuneration:

AVS/AI/IPG: approximately 5.3% of the salary (at the apprentice's expense)
Unemployment insurance (AD): approximately 1.1% up to an annual maximum
Accident insurance (LAINF): at the employer's expense (rate 0.7–1.5% depending on the sector)

To calculate your net salary during the apprenticeship, you can use the salary calculator which takes into account all federal and cantonal contributions of the Canton of Lucerne.

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Key points

Professional maturity and diploma achievement

At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice must take the final exam to obtain the professional maturity diploma. This exam verifies the skills acquired both in practical business and in school education. The diploma (Federal Vocational Baccalaureate — VET, or Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate — VET) is recognized nationally and opens the door to further continuing education paths.

After obtaining the diploma, the apprentice can directly enter the job market as a skilled worker or employee, or continue towards higher education (higher vocational school, advanced courses, master's). Those who wish to access university can attend a supplementary high school maturity.

How to find an internship position in the Canton of Lucerne: step-by-step procedure

Step 1: Initial research

Visit the official internship search sites at the national and Canton of Lucerne levels. Dedicated platforms, professional association sites, and the professional orientation portal provide updated lists of companies looking for apprentices.

Step 2: Preparing the application

Write a short resume and a motivation letter showing your interest in the chosen sector. Contact the company directly to learn about the application methods. Many companies provide preliminary interviews or one or two-week 'trial internship' days to assess the suitability of the choice.

Step 3: Contract signing

Once the position is found, the employer and the apprentice sign the apprenticeship contract. The contract must be written, signed by both parties, and kept for the entire duration of the training.

Step 4: Enrollment in vocational school

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an AFC and a CFC in the canton of Lucerne?: The Federal Certificate of Competence (AFC) and the Certificate of Vocational Education and Training (CFC) are two nationally recognised vocational diplomas. The main difference concerns the level of specialization and duration: the CFC is generally broader and more in-depth, while the AFC is more oriented towards specific practical skills. Both are valid in the canton of Lucerne and in the rest of Switzerland, and allow entry into the labour market or continuation towards higher education.
How many weeks of holiday does an apprentice have?: An apprentice under the age of 20 is entitled to a minimum of 5 weeks holiday per year. After the twenty-first birthday, the right remains for at least 4 weeks per year, unless otherwise agreed in the collective labour agreements. The employer will set the holiday schedule in agreement with the apprentice, respecting school attendance periods.
Can I terminate the apprenticeship contract before the end?: Yes, the apprenticeship contract can be terminated with a period of notice. During the first year, the notice is 1 month; from the second year until the ninth year it is 2 months. After the tenth year, the notice is 3 months. Both parties (employer and apprentice) must comply with these terms and provide written notice.
How does health insurance work during an apprenticeship?: Health insurance (LAMal) is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including apprentices. It must be stipulated within 3 months of the start of employment. The apprentice or parent chooses the sick fund from those available in the canton of Lucerne and pays the premium directly. Many cantons, including Lucerne, offer subsidies to reduce the premium for low-income youth.
What professional sectors offer apprenticeships in the canton of Lucerne?: In the canton of Lucerne, apprenticeships are available in numerous sectors: construction, metalworking, trade, health, agriculture, IT, tourism, crafts, gastronomy and many others. For a complete list of available professions and training companies in your canton, consult the official Lucerne vocational guidance websites and the national traineeship research platforms.