Vocational education and training (VET)

VET programmes impart the abilities, knowledge and competences required to work in an occupation. Learning generally takes place in three different learning locations: the VET school, the host company and the branch training centre. The professional competences, training content, performance objectives and how they are distributed to the three learning locations are set forth in the VET ordinances that are respectively enacted and approved by the Confederation.

Approximately two-thirds of young people complete an apprenticeship after compulsory education. The following options are available to them:

Two-year VET programmes for the Federal VET Certificate
These VET programmes provide learners with the professional competences needed to work in an occupation that requires mainly practical skills. Two-year VET programmes have a specific occupational profile and lead to issuance of a Federal VET Certificate. This qualification enables holders to gain advanced placement in a three- or four-year VET programme for the Federal VET Diploma, which generally reduces the duration of training by one year.

Three- or four-year VET programmes for the Federal VET Diploma
These VET programmes provide learners with the professional competences needed to work in a given occupation. The Federal VET Diploma opens the door to tertiary-level professional education and training (PET).

Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB)
This is an optional academic qualification that learners may prepare for alongside the normal vocational instruction and apprenticeship training portions of a three- or four-year VET programme for the Federal VET Diploma. Preparatory courses for the FVB cover academic subjects.