Supporting measures

Apprentices with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, visual and/or hearing impairments or other impairments may not be disadvantaged during their training and in the qualification process. The term “compensation for disadvantages” refers to specific measures aimed at compensating for any disadvantages.

These measures serve to adapt the training and qualification processes without lowering the standards.

Compensation for disadvantages is usually requested by the host company or vocational school. If there is no apprenticeship contract (e.g. BM2), the apprentices themselves are responsible for applying and must contact a specialist office. Responsibility varies from canton to canton.

eBook: Nachteilsausgleich für Menschen mit Behinderung in der Berufsbildung
Bericht: Nachteilsausgleich - wie ein Begriff Denken und Handeln verändert
Merkblatt 213: Nachteilausgleich 
Merkblatt 204: Legasthenie und Dyskalkulie
Empfehlung SBBK: Nachteilausgleich (Mai 2023)

Expert individual support (fiB) is offered to apprentices during their two-year basic training. It is used in the case of learning difficulties or social challenges and helps young people to develop their skills in such a way that they can develop both professionally and personally. The cantons have implemented fiB very differently.

SBBK: Fachkundige individuelle Begleitung in der beruflichen Grundbildung mit EBA
SBFI: Fachkundige individuelle Begleitung in der Beruflichen Grundbildung mit EBA

Vocational training case management is aimed at young people from the 7th school year and those up to the maximum age of 25, whose entry into the professional and working world is seriously at risk. It is primarily aimed at people facing multiple challenging circumstances, such as poor academic performance, health issues, low motivation, behavioural difficulties and little or no support from their parents. Vocational training case management is intended to prevent young people from failing to enter the vocational training and education system or from leaving the system without qualifications. They should be guided towards achieving their initial post-compulsory qualification at upper-secondary level and be integrated into the world of work.

The cantonal support organisations are listed under "Cantonal points of contact ".

Apprentices who fail the FVC qualification process despite doing retakes can be issued with an individual proof of competency (IKN).