Apprenticeship and vocational training in Graubünden: a complete guide (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Vocational training in Graubünden: dual path school + company
• Internship contract governing duration, hours and remuneration
• Professional maturity obtainable in parallel with the internship
• Apprentice salary varies by training year and sector

Key facts

• What: Apprenticeship and vocational training in the Canton of Graubünden
• Where: Canton of Graubünden (Switzerland), under the supervision of the Cantonal Office for Vocational Training
• Who: Canton of Graubünden, Swiss Confederation, training companies, vocational schools
• How: dual system (company + vocational school) regulated by the Federal Law on Vocational Training (LFPr)
• Final title: federal certificate of ability (AFC) or federal certificate of practical training (CFP)

Vocational training in Switzerland is regulated at the federal level by the Law on Vocational Training (LFPr), which defines its principles, and finds concrete application in each Canton, including Graubünden. The Swiss system is based on the so-called "dual model": the apprentice carries out practical training in a company and theoretical training in a vocational school at the same time, with intercompany courses that complete the path.

The internship contract

The internship contract is the document that governs the relationship between the apprentice (or his/her representative, if a minor) and the training company. Before the entry into force of the

Operational details

Professional maturity: an additional opportunity

Professional maturity (MP) is a secondary qualification II that is obtained in parallel with the internship. It is divided into seven areas (health, social, visual and applied arts, economics, technique, architecture and natural sciences) and is open to holders of a federal certificate of ability or, in some cases, during the last year of the internship for candidates who meet the school requirements.

Obtaining the MP allows access, without further examination, to professional university schools (SUPs) in the respective subject area. To enroll in a university (ETH or cantonal university), on the other hand, gymnasial maturity or the passing of a complementary exam is required.

Apprentice living costs and conditions

The cost of living in Switzerland is high and has a real impact on an apprentice's monthly budget. Accommodation is one of the main items, regulated by federal law (art. 253 et seq. CO) the same in each canton. The security deposit can be a maximum of three months' rent, it must be paid into a restricted account in the tenant's name. The cancellation of the landlord requires the official cantonal form, and the tenant can dispute it within thirty days to the conciliation authority.

Health insurance (LAMal) is mandatory for anyone residing in Switzerland. People moving for internship must take out coverage within three months

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

Concrete procedure: how to proceed step by step

Finding an apprenticeship position in the Canton of Graubünden requires following a reasoned sequence of steps, which should ideally be started well in advance of the beginning of the apprenticeship.

The first step is to identify the desired sector and profession, by consulting the professional profiles published by the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (UFFT/BFTB). For each profession, the description of the skills, the duration of the training, and the list of schools involved are available.

The second step consists of preparing a complete application, made up of a cover letter, an updated CV, copies of school certificates and, where available, internship certificates or references. The cover letter should be tailored to the company and the chosen profession. In the most sought-after sectors, it is useful to apply to several companies, both directly and through job placement portals.

The third step is attending an exploratory interview, during which the company assesses the candidate's aptitudes and the candidate evaluates the work environment. Once the interview is passed, the parties sign an apprenticeship contract drawn up in writing and compliant with cantonal law.

The fourth step is the registration of the contract with the cantonal office for professional education in Graubünden, which verifies its compliance and enrolls the apprentice in the school pathway. The office also provides information on the planned inter-company courses.

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