This forum is part of the “Apprenticeship 2030” Pact.”, A comprehensive strategy paper addressed to members of the Swiss parliament. It proposes a coherent set of concrete measures - merit, requirements, honest guidance, support for SMEs, modernisation of content and gradual skills upgrading - to secure apprenticeships and skilled work in Switzerland over the long term. The full strategic note is available for consultation at the following link, to inform the debate and future political decisions.
We often say that apprenticeships are going well.
This is false - or rather incomplete.
It doesn't collapse suddenly.
It is slowly being eroded: loss of prestige, biased guidance, shortage of places in certain professions, discouragement of SMEs, poor fit between high occupational requirements and insufficiently structured entry into training for 15-18 year olds.
Result:
more disruptions, more years in between, fewer training companies, and shortages that we then pretend to «correct» by importing labour.
Protecting apprenticeship does not mean freezing it or watering it down.
It means raising standards, clarifying requirements and better structuring entry to training.
Here is a consumer version of the Apprenticeship 2030 Pact“, designed to be demanding, pragmatic and credible.
1) Restoring prestige: a merit bonus at the end of apprenticeship
The academic route naturally rewards performance (status, recognition, scholarships).
The vocational route, much less so.
Simple proposal:
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a merit-based bonus paid on obtaining the CFC or AFP,
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jointly funded by the canton, the Confederation and the’company,
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enhanced bonus for :
Clear message Successful completion of a demanding apprenticeship is a performance recognised by the community.
2) Truly neutral and honest guidance (mandatory)
Today, too many young people and parents make their choices without full information - either about the prospects, or about the risks, of choosing a career. real business requirements.
Proposal:
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a compulsory independent orientation session at the end of school,
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with real-life testimonials:
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and above all :
Fewer illusions.
More informed choices.
Fewer break-ups.
3) Serious support for SMEs that train
Training an apprentice is a demanding act, This is costly in terms of time and responsibility - especially for an SME.
Concrete measures:
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tax relief or targeted deductions,
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local support, without a one-stop shop or centralised bureaucracy, This is done through branch and regional representatives,
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equipment grants to create new places.
Training must become possible, demanding and secure.
4) Structuring a demanding and progressive entry point for 15-18 year olds
This is the point that is often avoided, but is central.
Business requirements have increased:
digitisation, security, documentation, productivity, customer relations.
The answer is neither laxity nor lowering of standards, but a gradual and structured rise in requirements.
Pragmatic solutions:
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targeted pre-apprenticeships for highly demanding professions,
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gradual start to learning, with a supervised ramp-up,
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enhanced mentoring and short training courses for apprenticeship masters.
Objective demanding more, but at the right time and in the right place.
5) Making apprenticeships a visible route to excellence
Yes, learning can take you a long way - as long as you take it on.
To make visible :
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scholarships for excellent career paths,
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clear gateways to ES and HES,
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national showcasing of apprenticeship success stories.
Apprenticeships are not a default option.
It's a path of effort, skill and progression.
6) Pilot with facts, not slogans
Each canton should publish simple and transparent indicators:
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places offered vs. places filled,
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breach of contract,
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integration after graduation,
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transitional solutions.
Less ideology.
More political responsibility.
Conclusion
Switzerland must choose:
or it actively protects the sector that transforms schools into jobs and economic sovereignty,
or it leaves the prestige of academic careers and institutional inertia Then it tries to make up for it with intermediate years, shortages and longer career paths.
The package prestige, honest guidance, support for SMEs and demanding entry is a response pragmatic, measurable and immediately defensible.
The full strategy paper, intended for federal parliamentarians, is available for consultation below:
Pacte_Apprentissage_2030_Note_strategique_Parlement_avec_annexe_2026-01-22
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