Apprenticeship and vocational training in the canton of Glarus (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• An EFA apprenticeship lasts 3-4 years depending on the field, alternating between school-based and practical training in a company.
• The apprenticeship contract is mandatory by law and regulated by the Code of Obligations.
• The salary depends on the canton, the professional field, and the year of apprenticeship; there is no uniform federal minimum wage.
• The professional maturity is a complementary certificate that allows access to higher technical schools.

Key facts

• What: Dual professional training path with a written contract, lessons in vocational school, and practical training in a company
• Where: Canton of Glarus, like all Swiss cantons, offers programs regulated at the federal level
• Duration: 3-4 years for EFA, 2 years for practice certificate
• Reference law: Federal Law on Vocational and Professional Education and Training and Code of Obligations articles 344-346
• Institutions: Cantonal Office for Vocational Education and Training, professional associations, SEFRI

Apprenticeship in Switzerland is a proven model that combines theoretical education with direct practical training in a company. In the Canton of Glarus, as in the rest of Switzerland, the path is based on the Federal Law on Vocational and Professional Education and Training and allows young people to acquire nationally recognized professional skills. There are two main options: the EFA (Federal Certificate of Competence), which lasts 3-4 years depending on the chosen field, and the practice certificate, a 2-year path mainly oriented towards company practice.

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Operational details

The apprenticeship contract and the apprentice's rights

The apprenticeship contract is governed by Articles 344-346 of the Federal Code of Obligations and must contain essential information: names and addresses of the parties, start date and duration, professional branch, working hours, remuneration, amounts for tools and work clothes, and other specific conditions.

Once signed, the contract imposes mutual rights and obligations. The apprentice has the right to receive adequate training, timely remuneration, a safe working environment in accordance with federal workplace safety regulations, and access to vocational school for mandatory lessons. They also have the right to a minimum of 5 weeks of vacation per year if under 20 years old, and 4 weeks for others. The maximum working hours are set at 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week — limits lower than those for adults, reflecting the need to protect young apprentices.

The company, on the other hand, has the right to expect dedication, commitment, and adherence to company rules. Both parties can terminate the contract during the first year without notice; after that, termination follows specific regulations defined by the Federal Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act.

The apprentice's remuneration: cantonal and branch variability

Remuneration is one of the most requested pieces of information by candidates and their families. Without a uniform federal minimum wage, remuneration is determined by collective agreements between employers' associations and trade unions, and by specific cantonal directives.

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Key points

Professional Maturity: The Step Towards Higher Levels

After obtaining the Federal Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate, many apprentices choose to continue with the professional maturity, a complementary certificate that recognizes a higher level of general and technical education. Professional maturity allows access to universities of applied sciences (UAS) and some university programs. It can be pursued simultaneously with the apprenticeship (integrated variant) or subsequently (separate variant). In the canton of Glarus, the modalities and providers of professional maturity are indicated by the cantonal office for vocational education and training.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply for an Internship

Step 1 — Identify the sector: choose the professional sector of interest (mechanics, pharmacy, commerce, IT, electronics, etc.). Step 2 — Research companies: consult job portals and professional association websites to find companies offering internships in your sector. Step 3 — Prepare the application: write a resume, cover letter, and gather school certificates. Step 4 — Apply: send your application to the chosen companies and participate in interviews. Step 5 — Sign the contract: once accepted, sign the written internship contract with the company. Step 6 — Start the apprenticeship: attend vocational school and perform practical activities in the company according to the official training plan.

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