Still no apprenticeship? What now?

Time is running out, with only a few weeks left until the end of the school year. Anyone who doesn't yet have an apprenticeship is understandably nervous. Many young people ask themselves: Why hasn't it worked out yet? This is a question that Andres Züger, vocational and career counsellor at the City of Zurich's career centre, is currently dealing with on a daily basis during his consultation hours: «The first step is to analyse the situation self-critically,» says Züger. For example: Is the dossier incomplete, is the application letter not tailored to the company or are my grades simply not good enough?

Good chance of finding an apprenticeship now

But the good news first: there are currently still 700 vacancies in the city of Zurich alone. There are also still many openings throughout Switzerland. A look at the cantonal apprenticeship register (LENA), which is updated daily, shows this: There are currently around 15,000 apprenticeship vacancies throughout Switzerland.

These can be found in particular in the construction, services and sales sectors. Züger encourages young people: «Don't give up!» is the motto. «The chances of finding an apprenticeship this summer are definitely intact». Provided you keep at it and have the right skills.

Skilled trades have a prestige problem

However: «For some parents, a skilled trade is out of the question for their child,» says the careers expert. This is partly due to a sense of prestige, but also the opinion that a job in construction, for example, is «strenuous and dirty». According to Züger, parents want their child to have a job that is «more recognised by society». Office jobs such as at a bank or in insurance are seen as more promising than an apprenticeship as an electrician or painter. Even if the child might be happier there. A phenomenon that tends to be observed more in the city. «In the countryside, where there are many SMEs, there is a greater acceptance of skilled trades».

Openness to different professions makes it easier to find an apprenticeship

Züger therefore appeals for greater openness towards different professions - coupled with a healthy sense of reality: «If I have a C in maths, then I can't become a computer scientist,» says the career expert. Andres Züger addresses these issues with his young counsellors, even in the presence of their parents, and looks for solutions together.

Choice of apprenticeship: «It's not a decision for life»

Andres Züger, occupational expert

Above all, however, he wants to emphasise one thing to young people: «It's not a decision for life». Rather, an apprenticeship creates a basis for future training opportunities. The Swiss education system in particular offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Bridge programmes a good opportunity for further training

And of course, there are always sectors that offer only a few apprenticeships or are very popular. Anyone who is hesitant or does not have the necessary grade point average may have to look for another apprenticeship or wait longer - for example with a gap year. «A vocational preparation year is a good opportunity to acquire additional skills, get a taste of different professions and take more time to apply for jobs,» says Züger. These so-called bridging programmes build a bridge between compulsory schooling and an apprenticeship or secondary school. It is not only young people who are undecided about their career choice or have not yet been able to find an apprenticeship who make use of this offer. Some apprenticeships also require certain prior training - such as a preliminary course for a design apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship search - regular information events help

The careers advice centres and career centres in the cantons regularly hold information events (see box below) to inform young people about all the options available to them after leaving school. «Language stays, internships or social assignments are also very good ways to bridge this year in a meaningful and practical way,» says Andres Züger. An extra that always looks good on a CV when looking for an apprenticeship.
Images: zVg, fotolia.com

Events & information on finding an apprenticeship

Zurich

«No apprenticeship - what to do?»
At these events, young people in their final year who have not yet found an apprenticeship are informed about their options. Providers of bridging programmes are present with information stands and advise the young people.

Dates: 19 June 2017, 1 to 3 and 3 to 5 pm,
Location: Career Centre, Konradstrasse 58, 8005 Zurich

The number of places is limited. Registration with name and address to: lbz-lehrstellenfoerderung@zuerich.ch. Click here to find out more about the career centre .

Basel-Stadt / Baselland

Apprenticeship mentoring for young people in both Basel

Dates: Wednesday, 21 June 2017 17:00, duration 45 minutes
Venue: Hauptstrasse 28, 4127 Birsfelden

Registration not required, further information: www.mentoring.bl.ch

Berne

Current career and apprenticeship events in the Bern area, click here .

Vocational, study and career counselling services throughout Switzerland

Every canton has a public careers and study counselling service. This offers information and counselling on all questions relating to training, jobs and careers. The services are aimed at both young people and adults.

Offers sorted by canton, click here.

Proof of apprenticeship (LENA)

The Apprenticeship Directory (LENA) of berufsberatung.ch, the official Swiss information portal for vocational, study and career counselling, is updated daily. It contains all the apprenticeships registered by companies. You will also find tips on what makes a good application and how best to prepare for the interview. is updated daily and contains all the apprenticeship positions registered by the companies. You will also find tips on what makes a good application and how best to prepare for the interview.

The big career choice special

Which professions have a future? How did young people decide and, above all, how do you as parents support your children in choosing a career? All about this topic in our career choice special! Order the magazine now.