Terms of admission

Pupils who have completed the lower secondary level and have reached the age of 15 can apply for an apprenticeship position at a business or (possibly after passing an admission test) enrol at a full-time vocational school.

The respective business decides on the selection procedure. In general, positions are awarded on the basis of performance on the lower secondary level, the application documents and an interview. Various businesses also require applicants to pass an aptitude test. Tests can be conducted internally within the business, or externally. The external tests include standardised tests from various industry associations, as well as aptitude tests, which are independent of any industry or vocation.

Many young people find the transfer from compulsory education to basic vocational education and training difficult. The availability of transitional solutions (courses to bridge gaps in training, see education at upper secondary level) has increased. The Confederation and cantons, in cooperation with professional organisations, are taking measures in order to optimise the transfer from the lower secondary level to the upper secondary level.

Vocational baccalaureate

Vocational baccalaureate education is either based on enrolment in basic vocational education and training leading to a federal certificate of vocational education and training (parallel course) or on completed basic vocational education and training leading to a federal certificate of vocational education and training (course is completed after basic vocational education and training). Admission to vocational baccalaureate education is decided on the basis of an admission process, or the scholastic performance at the end of the lower secondary level or at the end of the basic vocational education and training. The terms of admission and admission processes are regulated by the cantons.