What is the difference between an AFC and a vocational high school diploma?

The Certificate of Professional Capacity (AFC) is the basic certificate after 3–4 years of dual apprenticeship, recognised at national and European level. The professional maturity is a complementary diploma that allows direct access to university vocational schools (SUPs) without additional exams. Professional maturity is achieved during or immediately after the apprenticeship.

Is there a federal minimum wage for apprentices?

No, there is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland. However, many cantons, including Basel Countryside, have set cantonal minimums by sector. The remuneration is agreed between the apprentice and the company, respecting the local thresholds in force in the canton. Apprentices' salaries grow in the formative years, with increases of 10–20% per year.

What rights do apprentices have during their contract?

The apprentice is entitled to a maximum of 45–50 hours per week, minimum holiday of 4–5 weeks per year, legal protection from arbitrary dismissal, social contributions (AVS/AI/IPG paid by the company), maternity leave (14 weeks) and paternity leave (2 weeks), and a safe working environment. The company must provide practical training of recognized quality.

How can I find apprenticeship opportunities in the canton of Basel-Landschaft?

Consult the cantonal vocational training office in Basel Campagna, national online portals for internship announcements, company websites and orientation fairs. School counselors can help with research. It is advisable to search at least 12–24 months before the expected start of the apprenticeship.

What does the probationary period entail?

During the first month of apprenticeship (probationary period), the contract may be terminated by both parties without notice. After the month, a cancellation period (usually 2 weeks) applies, unless otherwise provided by cantonal provisions. This system allows both the company and the apprentice to evaluate compatibility.

Apprenticeships in Switzerland: How to Get Started (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 2 September 2026

Young apprentice working in a Swiss vocational training workshop with mentor supervision

Dual system, contracts, pay, and vocational certification: everything you need to know about apprenticeships in the canton of Basel-Landschaft and throughout Switzerland.

Context

At a Glance

Dual apprenticeship: 3–4 years split between vocational school and a company
AFC (Certificate of Competence): nationally recognized certificate
No federal minimum wage: compensation agreed upon between the company and the apprentice
Guaranteed rights: minimum vacation time, legal protection, AVS/AI/IPG social security contributions

Key Facts

What: Vocational training through the Swiss dual system
Where: Cantonal jurisdiction (including the canton of Basel-Landschaft)
Duration: Typically 3–4 years
Certificate: AFC (Federal Certificate of Competence)
Federal agency: SECO coordinates the national vocational training system

An apprenticeship in Switzerland is not a traditional school-based education. It is a dual-track program that combines on-the-job training at a company (3–4 days per week) with vocational school (1 day per week), and is recognized at the federal level through the Federal Certificate of Professional Competence (AFC). In the canton of Basel-Landschaft, as in other Swiss cantons, there is an office dedicated to vocational training that oversees programs, contracts, and final exams.

How the Dual System Works

The model is simple: the apprentice signs a contract with a company and attends vocational school at the same time. The company teaches the practical aspects of the trade, while the school provides general and vocational theory. At the end of the 3–4 years, the apprentice takes the final exam to earn the AFC, a qualification recognized throughout Switzerland.

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Operational details

Where to Look for an Apprenticeship

The search for an apprenticeship usually begins 12–24 months before the planned start date. The main channels are national online portals, websites of companies in the sector of interest, the cantonal vocational training office, career fairs and open houses at companies, and school guidance counselors. In the canton of Basel-Landschaft, the cantonal vocational training office can provide lists of companies hiring apprentices, information on available programs, and application procedures.

Consult the cantonal vocational training office to identify opportunities available in your field. The application must be submitted directly to the chosen company, along with a resume, a cover letter, and academic transcripts.

The Apprenticeship Contract: What It Contains

Once accepted by the company, the apprentice signs an apprenticeship contract (apprenticeship agreement). This document must include the apprentice’s and company’s details, the start and end dates of the apprenticeship, the occupation and training program (AFC), weekly working hours (maximum 45–50 hours depending on the sector), monthly compensation (agreed-upon amount), annual leave (at least 4–5 weeks depending on age), conditions for terminating the contract (probationary period, notice of termination), and references to the vocational school and its curriculum.

The contract must comply with the Federal Act on Vocational Education and Training (LFPr) and cantonal regulations. Before signing, it is advisable to read it carefully or have it reviewed by an advisor.

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Key points

Apprentice Compensation

There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland, either for regular employees or for apprentices. Compensation is agreed upon between the apprentice and the company, within a market range that varies by sector, canton, and vocational field. However, some cantons (including Basel-Landschaft) have set cantonal minimum wages for apprentices in certain sectors. It is advisable to consult your cantonal vocational training office to find out the applicable thresholds in your canton.

In general, apprentices’ wages increase over the course of their training: the first year has the lowest wage, while the second and third years see increases of 10–20%, as does the fourth year (if applicable). In addition to wages, the company pays mandatory social security contributions: AVS/AI/IPG (5.3% of gross wages, split between the employee and the company), unemployment insurance (AD), and insolvency benefits (AC) up to an annual cap, accident insurance (LAINF/LAA) depending on the sector (0.7–1.5%), and a professional pension fund (LPP) if applicable.

The apprentice receives a net salary, meaning it is net of the social security contributions (AVS/AI/IPG, AD/AC) already paid by the employer. Direct federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes are withheld or paid via an annual tax return. The gross and net amounts must be clearly indicated on the pay stub.

Step-by-step: How to Apply

1. Research and Select a Company — Identify sectors and companies of interest at least 12–24 months before the planned start date. Visit company websites, check national job portals, and speak with career counselors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an AFC and a vocational high school diploma?: The Certificate of Professional Capacity (AFC) is the basic certificate after 3–4 years of dual apprenticeship, recognised at national and European level. The professional maturity is a complementary diploma that allows direct access to university vocational schools (SUPs) without additional exams. Professional maturity is achieved during or immediately after the apprenticeship.
Is there a federal minimum wage for apprentices?: No, there is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland. However, many cantons, including Basel Countryside, have set cantonal minimums by sector. The remuneration is agreed between the apprentice and the company, respecting the local thresholds in force in the canton. Apprentices' salaries grow in the formative years, with increases of 10–20% per year.
What rights do apprentices have during their contract?: The apprentice is entitled to a maximum of 45–50 hours per week, minimum holiday of 4–5 weeks per year, legal protection from arbitrary dismissal, social contributions (AVS/AI/IPG paid by the company), maternity leave (14 weeks) and paternity leave (2 weeks), and a safe working environment. The company must provide practical training of recognized quality.
How can I find apprenticeship opportunities in the canton of Basel-Landschaft?: Consult the cantonal vocational training office in Basel Campagna, national online portals for internship announcements, company websites and orientation fairs. School counselors can help with research. It is advisable to search at least 12–24 months before the expected start of the apprenticeship.
What does the probationary period entail?: During the first month of apprenticeship (probationary period), the contract may be terminated by both parties without notice. After the month, a cancellation period (usually 2 weeks) applies, unless otherwise provided by cantonal provisions. This system allows both the company and the apprentice to evaluate compatibility.