Vocational Education and Training / Middle School

A good education and professional life are very important in Switzerland. Good performance during school opens up better opportunities later in professional life. Following compulsory education, you have various options to choose from to prepare for the world of work (Sekundarstufe II). It is easier to find a good position with further training.

Do you have any questions about education and training? Vocational, study and career counselling (Berufs-, Studien- und Laufbahnberatung) provides advice to young people and parents. The counselling is free of charge.

Following compulsory education, most young people choose to attend vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Berufslehre). During an apprenticeship, you work at a company. There you learn the practical skills you need for the vocation. At the same time, you attend vocational school. You can do an apprenticeship for more than 250 vocations. An apprenticeship lasts between two and four years. In the last two years of school, you need to look for an apprenticeship position at a company yourself. The school can help you with this. But your parents should also help. Vocational, study and career counselling (Berufs-, Studien- und Laufbahnberatung) has a number of offers and advice for young people. The counselling is free of charge. You can do a federal vocational baccalaureate during or after your apprenticeship (Berufsmaturität). This allows you to study at a university of applied sciences.

Middle schools (Mittelschulen) provide preparation for studies at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). The students receive a broad, general education at the middle schools.

There are different kinds of middle schools:

• Middle schools with a baccalaureate: Afterwards, you can study at a university or a university of applied sciences.
• Middle schools with a specialised baccalaureate: Afterwards, you can study at a university of applied sciences. You may also be able to study at a university. You need to pass an exam in that case. Sometimes, there are also additional requirements.

Are you aged between 18 and 25 and only moved to Canton Basel-Stadt after compulsory schooling? You may be able to take part in a programme of the Centre for Bridge Programmes (Brückenangebote, ZBA). There, the goal is to give you a good start to the world of work. The bridge programme helps you find an internship or an apprenticeship. Are you interested? Then contact the Centre for Bridge Programmes (Zentrum für Brückenangebote).