Planning and carrying out a trial apprenticeship
Recommendations for the first meeting
From the 8th school year, it makes sense to gain practical work experience through a trial apprenticeship. This allows young people to find out whether they are interested in a particular profession and can meet the requirements for their chosen profession. The trial apprenticeship also helps companies with the selection process by helping to determine whether the applicant and the company are a good fit.
Trial apprenticeship
Legal framework and insurance
The trial apprenticeship is subject to specific legal framework conditions. It is important that both the company and the person doing the trial are aware of this. Insurance against accidents must be borne by the company, and in the case of longer trial apprenticeships, further social security provisions must be taken into account.
In addition, working hours carried out by young people are regulated by law. According to the Employment Act, school-age young people may complete a trial apprenticeship from the age of 13. Employment is only permitted on working days and is limited to a maximum of 8 hours per day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Each trial may not last longer than two weeks.
The cantons can make employment conditional on a permit or impose a reporting obligation on companies. It is therefore a good idea to check with the relevant cantonal office (e.g. Labour Inspectorate) before undertaking a trial apprenticeship.
Supplementary offers such as online taster courses, virtual company tours (online info day), online consultations with apprentices from the company or interactive content on the company website can meaningfully supplement traditional trial apprenticeships and provide access to a wider audience.
