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You can find the answers to questions such as how you can learn a trade, where to find out what trades you can learn leading to a Federal VET Certificate or Diploma and why continuing education and training after your apprenticeship are important here.

How do I learn a trade?

After compulsory schooling, two out of three young people in Switzerland complete an apprenticeship. Adults can complete an apprenticeship too. Depending on the trade the apprenticeship lasts three or four years. After they have successfully completed their training and passed their exams, apprentices are awarded a Federal Vocational Education and Training Diploma. Less academic students can complete a two-year apprenticeship, which leads to a Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate.

Vocational education in Switzerland is special because of the combination of school and practical work. This is known as the “dual system”. Generally speaking, apprentices work for four days per week – it may be fewer in some trades – in a company where they learn practical skills. On the remaining days of the week, they attend a vocational training school where they learn the theory.

Apprentices who are academically gifted can also attend a course at the vocational baccalaureate school, which leads to a vocational baccalaureate. The course can be completed at the same time as the apprenticeship, or afterwards.

There are various routes by which adults who do not have upper secondary vocational education and training can attain a vocational qualification. Ask your job coach or visit the berufsberatung.ch portal.