How does apprenticeship work in the Canton of Geneva?

Apprenticeship in Switzerland is an initial vocational training path that combines theoretical teaching in a vocational school with practical training at a recognised training company. It is divided into a three-year or four-year course. In Switzerland, vocational training is regulated at the federal level by the Vocational Training Act (LFPr). In the Canton of Geneva, the cantonal vocational training offices accompany trainees, training companies and schools throughout the course.

How much does an apprentice earn in Geneva?

The remuneration of the apprentice varies according to the year of the internship and the professional sector. There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland, but the Canton of Geneva has its own minimum wage provisions that also apply to apprentices. Remuneration is also influenced by collective bargaining agreements (CLAs) when the sector provides for one. Social contributions follow the rules valid for other employees.

What are the apprentice's rights over hours and holidays?

The working conditions of the apprentice — duration of work, holidays, salary — are governed by federal labour legislation. The maximum hours are 45 hours per week for the industrial, office and sales sectors, and 50 hours per week for the other sectors. The minimum holiday is 4 weeks per year (5 weeks for apprentices under 20).

What is federal professional maturity for?

Federal professional maturity is a qualification that is obtained at the end of a three-year or four-year professional training, completing a parallel general training. It allows access to university vocational schools (SUPs) and, under certain conditions, to high pedagogical schools (ASPs) and other tertiary level training. In the Canton of Geneva, vocational schools offer preparatory courses during or immediately after the internship.

How do I find an internship in Geneva?

The training companies publish the internship offers directly or through the employment exchanges. The Cantonal Vocational Training Offices of the Canton of Geneva offer support in orientation and apprenticeship search, coordinate orientation internships and enrollment procedures in vocational schools. Families and young people can turn to these cantonal services for up-to-date information on available professions.

Apprenticeship and vocational training in the Canton of Geneva

By Redazione Frontaliere Ticino (AI-generated text) · Published on 7 September 2026

Apprentice at work in a training company in Canton Geneva

Dual path in Geneva: internship contract, salary, professional maturity and access to the SUP. Complete guide.

Context

At a glance

Apprenticeship in Switzerland: three- or four-year pathway
Dual training: vocational school + host company
Vocational baccalaureate: access to Universities of Applied Sciences
Canton of Geneva: cantonal offices for vocational training

Key facts

What: Apprenticeship and vocational training in the Canton of Geneva
When: Not yet specified
Where: Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
Who: Cantonal offices for vocational training of the Canton of Geneva
How to find a position: Apply to recognised host companies
Contract: Training contract between apprentice and host company
Remuneration: Apprentice's salary according to cantonal directives and the sector
Vocational baccalaureate: Qualification that grants access to Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)

Vocational training in the Canton of Geneva

The Swiss vocational training system is one of the cornerstones of the national labour market, and the Canton of Geneva is an integral part of it. Initial vocational training in Switzerland is structured as a dual pathway that combines theoretical teaching at a vocational school with practical training at a recognised host company. This model, unique in the European landscape, ensures young people direct entry into the working world.

In Switzerland, vocational training is regulated at the federal level by the Vocational Training Act (LFPr). The Canton of Geneva, like all other cantons, is responsible for applying this legislation within its territory and has its own cantonal offices dedicated to managing and supervising training pathways. The cantonal offices for vocational training of the Canton of Geneva support trainees, host companies and vocational schools throughout the entire pathway.

How to find an apprenticeship position

Searching for an apprenticeship position in Geneva follows the same dynamics as in the rest of Switzerland. Host companies publish apprenticeship offers directly or through employment services. The cantonal offices for vocational training provide support with career guidance and in finding an apprenticeship position, as well as coordinating orientation internships and enrolment procedures at vocational schools. Families and young people can contact these cantonal services to obtain up-to-date information on the professions available in the canton.

Operational details

The training contract and apprentice remuneration

The training contract is the formal act by which a training company undertakes to train an apprentice and the latter undertakes to follow the trainer's instructions. In Switzerland the training contract is regulated by the Vocational Education and Training Act (LFPr/VET Act) and the Code of Obligations (CO/OR). Working conditions — working hours, holidays, salary — are governed by federal labour legislation. The maximum working time is 45 hours per week for the industrial, office and sales sectors, and 50 hours per week for the other sectors. Minimum holidays are 4 weeks per year (5 weeks for apprentices under the age of 20).

Apprentice remuneration

Apprentice remuneration varies according to the year of training and the professional sector. In Switzerland there is no federal minimum wage, but the Canton of Geneva has its own minimum wage provisions, which also apply to apprentices. Apprentice remuneration is also influenced by collective employment contracts (CCL/CCT) when the sector provides for one. Social contributions on apprentice wages follow the same rules applicable to other employees in Switzerland.

The vocational maturity (maturità professionale)

The federal vocational maturity (Berufsmaturität / maturité professionnelle) is a qualification obtained at the end of a three- or four-year vocational education programme, by completing a parallel general education. This qualification gives access to the Universities of Applied Sciences (SUP/FH) and, under certain conditions, to the Universities of Teacher Education (ASP/PH) and other tertiary-level programmes. The vocational maturity is a different track from the gymnasial maturity, which instead prepares students for direct access to the federal universities and the ETH/EPF. In the Canton of Geneva, vocational schools offer preparatory courses for the vocational maturity during or shortly after the apprenticeship.

Comparison between education pathways in Switzerland

The Swiss education system offers two main pathways at the end of compulsory schooling. On one side, dual vocational education, leading to a federal vocational certificate (AFC/CFC) or to a federal certificate of practical education (CFP/CFPC), which can be completed with the vocational maturity. On the other side, gymnasial education, leading to the gymnasial maturity and access to universities. Vocational education represents the choice of the majority of young Swiss people, and is internationally recognised for its ability to integrate theory and practice.

Labour market data and social security

For those starting an apprenticeship in Switzerland, it is useful to know certain aspects relating to the labour market and social security. The Swiss labour market is monitored by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Labour market and median wage statistics are published by the Federal Statistical Office (UST/BFS). As regards social security, AVS/AHV contributions are deducted from the wage even for apprentices, at the ordinary rates. The Federal Law on the Transfer of Pension Benefits (LFLP/FZG) and the Occupational Pensions Act (LPP/BVG) apply to employment relationships subject to the LPP/BVG, according to the salary thresholds set by federal regulations.

Practical implications for those choosing an apprenticeship in Geneva

Choosing an apprenticeship in the Canton of Geneva has practical implications at the tax and insurance level. Apprentice wages are subject to federal direct tax (IFD), cantonal tax, and communal tax. In Switzerland the tax system provides for three levels: federal, cantonal and communal. Each canton has its own tax law and each municipality applies a multiplier on the cantonal tax. Health insurance under the LAMal/KVG (Federal Health Insurance Act) is compulsory for all residents in Switzerland and must be taken out within three months of arrival. The same residence and work permit provisions apply to apprentices coming from abroad.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

How to proceed concretely for an apprenticeship in the Canton of Geneva

Step 1 — Career guidance and choice of profession

The first step consists in exploring the available professions and one's own inclinations. The Canton of Geneva has career guidance services that help young people identify the professions best suited to their profile. These services are managed at cantonal level and are free of charge.

Step 2 — Searching for an apprenticeship position

The search for an apprenticeship position can be carried out through training companies, employment offices or the official website of the Canton of Geneva dedicated to vocational education and training. Recognised training companies publish vacancies according to the needs of the sector.

Step 3 — Signing the apprenticeship contract

The apprenticeship contract is concluded between the apprentice (or their legal representatives if a minor) and the training company. The contract must indicate the duration of the apprenticeship, the remuneration, the holidays, the working hours and the training objectives. In Switzerland there is no federal minimum wage, but the Canton of Geneva may have its own cantonal minimum wage that also applies to apprentices. The apprentice's remuneration is also defined by the relevant sectoral collective labour agreement (CCL), where applicable.

Step 4 — Enrolment at the vocational school

In parallel with the signing of the contract, the apprentice is enrolled at a vocational school recognised by the canton. The vocational school provides the theoretical part of the training. Lessons are generally held one or two days a week, with the rest of the time devoted to practical training in the company.

Step 5 — Insurance and social security

The apprentice is covered by the Swiss social insurances: AVS/AHV, AI, IPG. Compulsory health insurance under the LAMal/KVG must be taken out within three months of the start of the employment relationship or of arrival in Switzerland. SUVA provides insurance against occupational and non-occupational accidents.

Step 6 — Obtaining the certificate and the vocational baccalaureate

At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice undergoes a qualification procedure leading to the award of the federal certificate of capacity (CFC/AFC) or the federal certificate of practical training (AFP/CFP). At the same time or subsequently, the apprentice may prepare the federal vocational baccalaureate, which opens the doors of the Universities of Applied Sciences (HES/SUP).

Deadlines and administrative aspects

Apprenticeship positions in the Canton of Geneva are generally published well in advance of the start of the training. Enrolment at vocational schools takes place through the cantonal offices. For non-Swiss foreign nationals, the conditions of access depend on the residence permit. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the federal authority responsible for permits.

To learn more about the tax and salary aspects related to an apprenticeship in Switzerland, the tools available on the salary calculator can be consulted. For those actively looking for an apprenticeship or a job in Switzerland, the job listings section collects the latest offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does apprenticeship work in the Canton of Geneva?: Apprenticeship in Switzerland is an initial vocational training path that combines theoretical teaching in a vocational school with practical training at a recognised training company. It is divided into a three-year or four-year course. In Switzerland, vocational training is regulated at the federal level by the Vocational Training Act (LFPr). In the Canton of Geneva, the cantonal vocational training offices accompany trainees, training companies and schools throughout the course.
How much does an apprentice earn in Geneva?: The remuneration of the apprentice varies according to the year of the internship and the professional sector. There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland, but the Canton of Geneva has its own minimum wage provisions that also apply to apprentices. Remuneration is also influenced by collective bargaining agreements (CLAs) when the sector provides for one. Social contributions follow the rules valid for other employees.
What are the apprentice's rights over hours and holidays?: The working conditions of the apprentice — duration of work, holidays, salary — are governed by federal labour legislation. The maximum hours are 45 hours per week for the industrial, office and sales sectors, and 50 hours per week for the other sectors. The minimum holiday is 4 weeks per year (5 weeks for apprentices under 20).
What is federal professional maturity for?: Federal professional maturity is a qualification that is obtained at the end of a three-year or four-year professional training, completing a parallel general training. It allows access to university vocational schools (SUPs) and, under certain conditions, to high pedagogical schools (ASPs) and other tertiary level training. In the Canton of Geneva, vocational schools offer preparatory courses during or immediately after the internship.
How do I find an internship in Geneva?: The training companies publish the internship offers directly or through the employment exchanges. The Cantonal Vocational Training Offices of the Canton of Geneva offer support in orientation and apprenticeship search, coordinate orientation internships and enrollment procedures in vocational schools. Families and young people can turn to these cantonal services for up-to-date information on available professions.