Apprenticeship in Zurich: how to find your internship place (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The apprenticeship combines school training and work practice in the company
• Typical duration: 2–4 years depending on the trade and qualification
• Remuneration established by law; increases every year of training
• It ends with the Certificate of Vocational Training (AFP) recognized at the federal level

Key facts

• What: Dual vocational training system (company days + school days)
• When: After compulsory schooling, generally from 14–15 years old
• Where: Canton of Zurich; system applied throughout Switzerland
• Who: Young people who want a recognised professional qualification
• Duration: Between 2 and 4 years, depending on the profession
• Salary: Established by law; varies by profession and year of internship
• Conclusion: Final exam Vocational Training → Certificate (AFP)

Apprenticeship in the Canton of Zurich is the most common training path for those who want to qualify professionally after compulsory schooling. Unlike purely educational paths, the Swiss system is based on a dual structure that combines theory and practice: the young apprentice spends most of the time (usually 4 days a week) at a training company, where he acquires the practical skills of the trade. At the same time, he dedicates 1–2 days a week to attending a professional school that teaches both the theoretical foundations of the trade and transversal skills such as communication,

Operational details

How to Find an Apprenticeship in Zurich

Finding an apprenticeship requires planning and personal initiative. Most companies publish their job postings between September and November of the previous year to the desired start date, which usually falls on August 1st. Checking online job postings, attending professional orientation fairs, and contacting companies directly are the three main channels of research. Many companies do not publish public job postings but receive spontaneous applications: in these cases, it is essential to present a resume, motivation letter, and school certificates.

The school of compulsory education also offers professional orientation services that help young people choose a profession and find a job. School counselors can provide lists of training companies in the canton and guide the candidate through the application process.

The Apprenticeship Contract

Once a job has been found, an apprenticeship contract is drawn up. This official document is mandatory throughout Switzerland and must comply with federal and cantonal laws. The contract specifies: the profession being learned, the duration of the apprenticeship (in years), the monthly salary (which usually increases every year), working hours, vacation days, and other employment conditions.

The contract must be signed by the young apprentice (or parents/guardians, if a minor) and the employer. A copy is deposited with the competent cantonal office for professional training, which verifies compliance with training regulations.

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Key points

Procedure and Timelines for Starting an Apprenticeship

The process of starting follows a precise calendar. The first step is self-orientation: during the penultimate and last year of compulsory school, the young person must inform themselves about the available professions, participate in fairs, talk to professionals. The second step is the actual search. Applications must be sent to companies within the published times, generally between September and November of the previous year. Once a employer is found, a contract is drawn up that must be signed by both parties and sent to the cantonal office for official approval.

Respecting the times is critical: if the contract is not deposited with the cantonal authority before the deadline (generally before August 1, standard start date), the apprenticeship may be postponed to the following year.

Requirements and Expectations

Legally, the minimum requirement is the completion of compulsory school (eleven years of education). However, many companies require solid skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as personal attitudes such as reliability, learning ability, and a positive attitude towards practical work. The evaluation depends on the company and the profession.

During the apprenticeship, the young person must respect school attendance obligations, work responsibly at the company, and face intermediate and final exams. The professional maturity, offered to many apprentices, is an additional opportunity: who completes it receives both the AFP and the professional maturity diploma, which opens access to professional university schools (SUP) and offers greater career and professional mobility opportunities at the Swiss and international level.

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