Statistical data

Around one third of adolescents in Switzerland complete basic vocational education and training at upper secondary level. The predominant form is a vocational apprenticeship at a business or public institution (2007: 88.4%). In Speaking-speaking Switzerland (2007: 28.8%) and in Italian-speaking Switzerland (2007: 25.4%), more adolescents attend a full-time vocational school (e.g. Lehrwerkstätte, college of commerce etc.) than in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (2007: 11.6%).

A total of 220,631 adolescents and young adults completed basic vocational education and training in the school year 2007 / 2008. Frequently selected professions / professional fields include: business administration, retail, college of commerce diploma, electrician, cook, health, polymechanic and hairdresser (2006 / 2007, in decreasing order of frequency).

A total of 49,896 young adults (41.2% women) obtained a federal certificate of vocational education and training in 2007. Since the introduction of the vocational baccalaureate in 1994, the number of young adults with a federal vocational baccalaureate has increased (1995: 460; 2007: 10,615). In 2007, 12% of young adults, measured against all Swiss residents of the same age, possessed a federal vocational baccalaureate.

Data: FSO 2008, OPET 2008