What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in Switzerland?

The minimum age is usually 15, coinciding with the end of the 9 years of federal school obligations. Some cantons allow starting even at 14 years of age under certain conditions. It is advisable to start the search for an internship during the second or third year of lower secondary school (around the age of 13-14) to identify the training company by the age of 14-15.

Can I start an apprenticeship if I have not completed middle school?

It is rare, but in some cases the canton allows the beginning of the internship even without the official completion of the 9 years if the candidate demonstrates sufficient school skills (especially language, mathematics, behavior). However, each canton has specific regulations — we recommend contacting your canton's school guidance office to discuss your case.

What is the difference between AFC and professional maturity (MP)?

The **AFC (Federal Certificate of Competence)** is the basic certificate obtained at the end of the internship (3-4 years), nationally recognized and certifying professional competence in the chosen profession. The **MP (Professional Maturity)** is an additional certificate, obtained in parallel or after the internship, which allows access to higher education (professional university schools, polytechnics) without a traditional baccalaureate exam. The AFC is the minimum; the MP is optional but opens access to higher education.

Is health insurance covered by the company during the internship?

No. Although the company pays contributions for AVS/AI and accident insurance (LAINF), the ** health insurance (LAMal)** is mandatory personal and must be signed by the apprentice (or by the parents if underage) within 3 months of the beginning of the internship. It is a private expense, not covered by the employer. Many cantons offer premium subsidies based on income and family composition, significantly reducing costs.

Can I change the training company during the internship?

Yes, it is possible, but the change is governed by the canton and requires a new contract. If it happens during the first year, the new contract usually restarts counting the total duration (3-4 years remain from the new signature). If the change is after the first year, the skills already acquired are recognized and the internship continues to complete the missing skills by the original deadline.

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

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 20 August 2026

Apprentices in practical training at a modern Swiss vocational school workshop

The Swiss apprenticeship: how to find an internship, sign the contract, the progressive remuneration and the path to professional maturity (MP) and the AFC.

Context

In a nutshell

The Swiss apprenticeship lasts on average 3-4 years with dual education (company + vocational school)
The written contract is mandatory before the start of the internship
The salary increases each year of internship and varies by canton and sector
Professional maturity (MP) allows you to continue your higher education after AFC

Key facts

What: Dual education training course alternating practical work in the company and theory at school
When: From the age of 15 (after secondary school), duration 3-4 years according to profession
Where: In Switzerland with federal coordination by SECO, cantonal competence (including Schaffhausen)
Who: Apprentice, training company, vocational school, cantonal offices
Contract: Mandatory written document with duration, salary, hours, holidays
Salary: Progressive by year, determined by cantonal guidelines and collective agreements
Certificates: AFC (Federal Certificate) at the end + MP (Professional Maturity) optional

What is apprenticeship in Switzerland

Apprenticeship is the privileged vocational training path in the Swiss education system. It is based on the dual education model: the apprentice spends part of the week in the company (learning the practical trade) and part in the vocational school (acquiring theoretical and general skills). The standard duration is 3 to 4 years, depending on the chosen profession and the canton where the internship is carried out, including

Operational details

Progressive Apprentice Pay

The apprentice's salary is set in the internship contract and increases progressively over the 3-4 years. There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland, however many cantons, including Schaffhausen, have cantonal guidelines or collective bargaining agreements (CCLs) that define guiding minimum wages for traineeships. Generally, the salary increases with each year of internship (lowest first year, highest last year), reflecting the skills progressively acquired.

The amount of remuneration varies significantly by sector of activity (crafts, trade, industry, health have different ranges), by canton (Schaffhausen has specific guidelines) and by company size and applicability of collective agreements. During the internship, the apprentice is entitled to paid holidays: minimum 5 weeks for those under 20, 4 weeks from 20 years onwards. This is a right guaranteed by the Swiss Federal Labour Law.

Apprentice rights during the internship

The apprentice has the right to training in accordance with the training plan approved by the canton, protection of health and safety at work guaranteed by LAINF (Federal Law on Accident Insurance), systematic teaching of professional skills by the training company, paid holidays, and payment of social contributions (AVS/AI) by the company.

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

How and where to find an internship offer. The search for an internship typically starts 1-1.5 years before the end of compulsory education (around the third year of secondary school). The national platform JobRoom (jobroom.ch) is managed by SECO and offers free internship offers published by companies and vocational schools — it is the first place to search at a national level. The cantonal offices for professional guidance provide personalized counseling and access to databases of training companies in the resident canton (including Schaffhausen).

First day as a cross-border worker? Our practical guide walks you from cantonal registration to your first paycheck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to start an apprenticeship in Switzerland?: The minimum age is usually 15, coinciding with the end of the 9 years of federal school obligations. Some cantons allow starting even at 14 years of age under certain conditions. It is advisable to start the search for an internship during the second or third year of lower secondary school (around the age of 13-14) to identify the training company by the age of 14-15.
Can I start an apprenticeship if I have not completed middle school?: It is rare, but in some cases the canton allows the beginning of the internship even without the official completion of the 9 years if the candidate demonstrates sufficient school skills (especially language, mathematics, behavior). However, each canton has specific regulations — we recommend contacting your canton's school guidance office to discuss your case.
What is the difference between AFC and professional maturity (MP)?: The **AFC (Federal Certificate of Competence)** is the basic certificate obtained at the end of the internship (3-4 years), nationally recognized and certifying professional competence in the chosen profession. The **MP (Professional Maturity)** is an additional certificate, obtained in parallel or after the internship, which allows access to higher education (professional university schools, polytechnics) without a traditional baccalaureate exam. The AFC is the minimum; the MP is optional but o
Is health insurance covered by the company during the internship?: No. Although the company pays contributions for AVS/AI and accident insurance (LAINF), the ** health insurance (LAMal)** is mandatory personal and must be signed by the apprentice (or by the parents if underage) within 3 months of the beginning of the internship. It is a private expense, not covered by the employer. Many cantons offer premium subsidies based on income and family composition, significantly reducing costs.
Can I change the training company during the internship?: Yes, it is possible, but the change is governed by the canton and requires a new contract. If it happens during the first year, the new contract usually restarts counting the total duration (3-4 years remain from the new signature). If the change is after the first year, the skills already acquired are recognized and the internship continues to complete the missing skills by the original deadline.