The smart way to start a business

Newsletter abonnieren


Blog

Apprenticeship contract

An apprenticeship contract is a special type of individual employment contract. The employed party is deemed worthy of special protection, which is therefore provided for by law. Conversely, in the interests of successful training, the employed party also has certain obligations. Here we explain what you need to be aware of when you employ an apprentice.

right of instruction

 

Special statutory requirements

The primary requirement relates to the form of the contract. Unlike regular individual employment contracts, apprentice contracts must be made in writing.

Secondly, apprentice contracts are concluded for a fixed period. The duration of the engagement must be specified in the contract.

Thirdly, apprentice contracts assume a probation period of three months, as opposed to one month for regular employment contracts. However, the actual probation period can be agreed to be any period from one to three months. In exceptional cases, it can even be extended to six months. During the probation period, the contract can be terminated at any time subject to seven days’ notice, although termination is subject to tougher criteria than it is for a regular employment contract.

Fourthly, apprenticeship contracts cannot place any restrictions on working for competitors. This is designed to ensure that, following the apprenticeship, the apprentice is free to develop their career as they wish.

Finally, the formation and dissolution of an apprenticeship contract must be approved by the cantonal office for occupational training.

Aims of an apprenticeship contract

The aim of an apprenticeship contract is to provide the apprentice with systematic and comprehensive training in their chosen profession. The employer must therefore ensure that the apprentice is placed under the tutelage of a canton-approved vocational trainer. The employer must also give the apprentice all the time off required for vocational study at college and for other study outside of the workplace, including any exams. No salary deductions may be made for such absences.

For their part, the apprentice must bring a high level of commitment and willingness to learn. This commitment extends even to the apprentice’s legal representative, who must support the employer in the performance of their role. The representative must also help foster a good working relationship between employer and apprentice.

» Legal forms

» Foundation Platform

New comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *