Host company networks

Possible solutions for smaller businesses

A host company network is a special form of vocational education and training organisation. Two or more companies carrying out complementary activities join together to form a host company network and train apprentices together. The aim of this collaboration is to provide apprentices with training that complies with the ordinances by using shared resources and to optimise the training efforts of the individual companies. This will also make it possible for specialised companies to take part in vocational training.

A leading company or leading organisation (regular partnership, professional or trade association, business association, etc.) assumes responsibility for organising the training and represents the association externally. To ease the administrative burden, an external office can also manage the recruitment of apprentices and the administrative tasks of the network.

The collaboration between the lead company or the lead organisation and the network companies is governed by contract. The apprenticeship contract is concluded between the lead company or the lead organisation and the apprentice.

Merkblatt 19: Lehrbetriebsverbünde [PDF, 75.12 KB]download

Merkblatt 20: Gründung und Aufbau eines Lehrbetriebsverbunds [PDF, 72.22 KB]download

The different models

Supplementary training

Small networks

A small network is formed when several companies operating in complementary fields join together to form one network to provide in-company training for apprentices. Within a small network, each company can take over the role of lead company for a limited period of time or one company can be given the lead role for the entire training. If the training takes place sequentially in different companies as part of professional practice, the contract may be concluded for the duration of the respective part of the training. All apprenticeship contracts from the various companies must be concluded at the start of vocational education and training.

Large networks

Questions and Answers

FAQWhat does the apprenticeship contract look like in an host company network? Expand

FAQIs it possible for several companies to train apprentices together?

Yes, multiple companies can jointly provide training in professional practice. If the basic vocational education and training takes place in within a group of host companies of this kind, the leading company or organisation concludes the apprenticeship contract with the apprentices. The lead company or lead organisation is responsible in all cases for the fulfilment of all contractual obligations.

BBG Art. 16 Abs. 2 letter a; BBV Art. 8

In order to ensure systematic training and compliance with the training plan, an agreement between the participating companies is required. The content and duration of the individual training components are set out in an agreement.

BBV Art. 14 para. 1

It is also possible that the training in professional practice takes in different companies consecutively and contracts are concluded for the duration of each stage of the training. The probationary period for each part of the course generally lasts one month. At the start of basic VET training, all apprenticeship contracts must be concluded with the various companies.

BBG Art. 14 para. 2; BBV Art. 8 para. 3

Expand