About two-thirds of young people in Switzerland learn a trade after compulsory school, most of them on a split week between a host company and a vocational school. The host company pays a salary throughout training, vocational school tuition is free, and the federal qualification at the end is recognized throughout Switzerland.
How the Dual System Works
In the dual system, an apprentice works three to four days a week at a host company and spends the rest of the week at a vocational school. There are around 240 federally regulated vocational programs, lasting two, three or four years.
At the host company, vocational trainers and qualified specialists give the practical training, and the company holds a cantonal accreditation. Vocational schools provide both general education and vocational training.
Vocational school tuition is free of charge for apprentices and counts as working time. The host company pays the apprentice a salary throughout training. Attending inter-company courses must not cost the apprentice anything extra.
What the Numbers Show
In 2025, the Swiss vocational system recorded 65,329 completed diplomas.
Apprentices can add a federal vocational baccalaureate course to their training. Passing its examination gives access to a related field of study at a university of applied sciences. Both the Federal VET Diploma and the Federal VET Certificate are recognized throughout Switzerland. A carpenter trained in Zurich and one trained in Geneva hold the same federal qualification.
