How to find an internship in the Canton of Graubünden (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Swiss dual training alternates between company practice and vocational school
• In Graubünden, federal and cantonal regulations are coordinated
• The apprenticeship contract is binding and protected by law
• Berufsmaturität allows access to SUP after apprenticeship

Key facts

• What: Dual vocational training path (practice + school)
• Where: Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland
• Who: Apprentices, companies, cantonal vocational training office
• Duration: Typically 3-4 years per sector
• Social contributions: AVS/AI/IPG 5.3% (split between apprentice and company)

In the canton of Graubünden, as in the rest of Switzerland, dual vocational training is one of the three pillars of the educational system. An apprentice alternates between company practice and vocational school, developing specific skills for the job market. In Switzerland, over 60% of young people choose vocational training over the high school path.

The vocational training office of the canton of Graubünden coordinates the offer of apprenticeship positions, manages apprenticeship contracts, and recognizes diplomas. Each company that wants to train apprentices must comply with federal laws and specific cantonal ordinances for the sector. The path is regulated by the federal law on vocational training and sectoral ordinances, which define duration, programs, quality standards, and minimum salaries per year of apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship contract is a binding legal instrument that protects both the apprentice and the company, defining rights, duties, hours, holidays, and salary. The professional maturity (Berufsmaturität) is an opportunity for those who want to continue higher education after or in parallel with the apprenticeship, guaranteeing access to professional universities (SUP).

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Operational details

Internship contract: contents and legal protections

The internship contract is a legal document that must contain: the name and address of the company and the apprentice; the start and end date of the internship (total duration); the profession and number of the federal sectoral ordinance; the weekly working hours; the monthly salary for each year of the internship; holidays (minimum 4 weeks per year; 5 if the apprentice is under 20 years old); vocational school courses (usually 1-2 days per week); termination conditions; probation period provisions.

The contract is registered with the professional training office of the canton of Graubünden, which verifies compliance with federal and cantonal laws. Both the apprentice and the company receive a countersigned copy. The office rejects defective contracts and requests corrections before registration.

Salary and tax declarations

The apprentice's salary is subject to cantonal and municipal taxes according to the rates of Graubünden. The federal direct tax (FDT) is progressive and calculated on the total annual income. Switzerland applies a three-level system (federal + cantonal + municipal); each municipality has its own multiplier on the cantonal tax.

The company pays the apprentice's AVS/AI/IPG contributions to the compensation fund (CAA) monthly. The apprentice receives a gross salary, from which insurance contributions and taxes are deducted. The net amount depends on the agreed salary, mandatory social contributions, and the tax rates of the municipality of residence.

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Key points

How to find an internship: step-by-step guide

Step 1: Consult the official cantonal portal

The professional training office of the canton of Graubünden maintains a public register of available internship positions, also accessible through national job portals. Companies report vacant positions, which are published online with filters for sector, municipality, and start year. The search is free and accessible to all interested parties.

Step 2: Apply directly to companies

It is not mandatory to wait for an official announcement. Many companies accept spontaneous applications. It is recommended to contact the human resources office or the training manager directly, sending a CV, cover letter, and school results. Companies intending to train apprentices have specific criteria for selection and access.

Step 3: Draw up the contract and registration

Once an agreement is reached with a company, the internship contract is drafted. The company has official models provided by the canton. The contract must be signed by both parties and sent to the professional training office at least 2 weeks before the start of the internship. If the contract does not meet federal or cantonal requirements, the office rejects it and requests corrections. Once approved, the office officially registers the internship and communicates the data to the compensation fund.

Step 4: Enroll in the vocational school

Based on the registered contract, the apprentice receives an official notice from the cantonal office with the start date of the vocational school (usually one or two weeks after the start of the internship). Enrollment is automatic once the contract is registered. The student receives the class schedule, the school address, and the list of necessary school materials.

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