Vaud Apprenticeship and Vocational Training

Context

TL;DR

• Find out how to find an internship in the canton of Vaud.
• Information on contract, salary and vocational baccalaureate.
• Procedures and practical advice for apprentices.

Key facts

Internship contract: Mandatory Apprentice pay: Varies by sector and year Vocational maturity: Possible for many apprentices Internship duration: Varies based on profession

In the Canton of Vaud, the apprenticeship and professional training path represents a privileged route for entering the world of work, offering young people practical skills and a solid foundation for a future career. Searching for an internship requires a targeted approach, which takes into account the specificities of the canton and the different professions available. The internship contract, a fundamental document that regulates the relationship between apprentice, employer and professional school, must be stipulated before the start of training. This contract defines crucial aspects such as the duration of the internship, training objectives, working hours, remuneration and holidays.

The salary of an apprentice in the Canton of Vaud, as in the rest of Switzerland, is not established at a federal level and varies significantly depending on the professional sector, the year of training and the company's salary policy. Generally, the salary increases progressively during the apprenticeship years. It is essential to find out about the average salaries for the desired profession by consulting the cantonal professional associations or the guides dedicated to professional training. In addition to practical training in the company, the apprentice attends a vocational school, where he acquires the necessary theoretical knowledge. For many professions, it is also possible to obtain the professional maturity, a qualification that opens the doors to higher studies at the Professional University Schools (SUP), further broadening career prospects. The procedures for admission to the professional high school diploma vary, but often require passing specific exams at the end of the apprenticeship. The cantonal authorities of the Canton of Vaud, through their vocational training offices, offer support and detailed information to guide young people and companies in this essential training path.

Operational details

Finding the ideal internship place

The search for an internship place in the Canton of Vaud is divided into several ways. Cantonal professional associations and chambers of commerce play a central role, often publishing internship offers on their online portals or organizing trade fairs dedicated to professional training. The professional schools themselves also provide active support in research, making information available on affiliated companies and available places. It is advisable to start your search well in advance, usually a year before the internship is scheduled to start, as the most sought-after applications are often filled quickly. Preparing a complete and personalized application dossier, including a detailed CV and a convincing cover letter, is essential to stand out. An orientation interview or a trial period in the company can represent further stages in the selection process, allowing both the candidate and the employer to evaluate each other's suitability.

The internship contract and remuneration

Once the desired position has been identified, the signing of the internship contract is the next step. This legal document, drawn up according to cantonal and federal directives, establishes the rights and duties of all parties involved. It must clearly mention the profession covered by the internship, the overall duration, the start and end dates, the place of work, the weekly working hours, the annual holidays (which cannot be less than those provided by the federal labor law, i.e. four weeks for adults and five for young people under 20), the monthly salary and the payment methods. Apprentice pay in the Canton of Vaud, as mentioned, is very variable. To give an idea, the first years of an apprenticeship can provide salaries ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand Swiss francs per month, with significant increases in subsequent years. The exact figures depend heavily on the sector (for example, an apprentice in an industrial sector might earn a different wage than one in a commercial office or shop). It is always advisable to consult the indicative salary scales provided by trade associations to get a more precise picture.

Useful tools to maximize the net

To reduce gear loss, compare CHF-EUR exchange rate and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Professional maturity: an added value

For many apprentices in the canton of Vaud, the possibility of obtaining the professional qualification represents an opportunity for significant growth. This integrated training path allows you to obtain both the federal certificate of competence (AFC) at the end of the apprenticeship and the professional high school diploma. The professional high school diploma opens the doors to access to Professional University Schools (SUP), allowing you to continue your studies at tertiary level and specialize further. Enrollment in professional maturity preparation courses usually takes place during the second or third year of apprenticeship, depending on the total duration of training. The specific requirements and examination methods are defined by cantonal and federal regulations. It is important to inquire at the Vaud cantonal vocational training office to find out about the options available and the study paths best suited to your professional aspirations. The combination of practical experience acquired during the internship and the theoretical knowledge imparted by the professional baccalaureate courses makes graduates particularly sought after on the Swiss job market.

Practical advice for apprentices

For those who undertake or are about to undertake an apprenticeship in the Canton of Vaud, some practical advice can make the journey easier. First of all, it is essential to maintain open and constant communication with the trainer in the company and the teachers at the vocational school. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification on tasks, procedures or theoretical concepts that are not clear. Punctuality and reliability are essential qualities in the world of work. Actively participating in lessons, carrying out assigned tasks diligently and showing interest in the profession are attitudes that will be appreciated. To deepen your knowledge and skills, it is useful to consult the information resources made available by the cantonal offices and professional associations. For those who want to have an estimate of their salary or better understand the tax implications of their future salary, it is possible to use specific online tools. For an estimate of potential salary, we recommend consulting the salary calculator.