The majority of young people commence vocational education and training (VET) following lower secondary level schooling. They do their apprenticeship either in a training company with one or two days’ a week at school, or full-time at school. Most apprenticeships are based on the dual system, with practical skills obtained in a training company and theory obtained at a VET school, and are completed at the age of 18 or 19.
careers advice services and education and training providers
Directory of recognized occupations (web page available in German, French and Italian).
After completing a three or four-year vocational education and training programme, you can obtain a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate. This allows you to study at a university of applied sciences without having to take an entrance exam.
Students attending an upper secondary baccalaureate or specialised school receive a general education which prepares them for higher education (tertiary level).