Guide
Where to find apprenticeships
Not all apprenticeships are advertised. Where you can search, how unsolicited applications work and why the people around you can help.
If you are looking for an apprenticeship, you look online first. That is a good start. But many places are also given out through people you know, taster placements or unsolicited requests.
Searching online
- On Stifti you can search by occupation, place and radius. For every place you see the pay, the start date and how reliably the company replies.
- The cantons keep an official list of open apprenticeships, which you can find via berufsberatung.ch.
- Some companies only advertise places on their own website. If a company interests you, have a look there.
Tip: Save interesting places on your saved list. That way you do not lose track of anything.
From a taster placement to an apprenticeship
Many apprentices got their place at the company where they did a taster placement. If you make a good impression during the taster placement, you have a head start when you apply. That is why it pays to do taster placements early, even if no place has been advertised yet.
Unsolicited application
You know a company that trains apprentices in your occupation, but has not advertised a place? Ask anyway. Some companies decide late whether they will take someone, or have not published their place yet.
- First call and ask whether they are looking for apprentices for next summer and who is in charge.
- Then send your dossier to this person and refer to the phone call.
- Stay friendly, even if the answer is no. Maybe they know another company.
Ask the people around you
Parents, relatives, neighbours, coaches at your club: many adults know companies that train apprentices. Feel free to tell them what you are looking for. This often leads to a contact you would never have found online.
Fairs and information events
Many cantons and regions organise career fairs. There you can get to know many occupations in one day and talk directly to apprentices and vocational trainers. Some companies also invite you to information evenings or open days.
Keep track
If you have several applications going, write down where you applied when and when you want to follow up. If you apply through Stifti, you see the status of each application in your account.
What to do when a rejection comes is explained in the article Got a rejection?.