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 (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.