Overall positive perception of apprenticeship training

In the canton of Vaud, initial vocational training is the second most popular choice of education after grammar school. It is more commonly considered by boys and in rural areas. Nearly seven out of ten young people consider the quality of training to be good, while the majority of parents share an even more favourable opinion. However, a significant proportion of young people lack concrete information about the content and value of apprenticeships.

Pupils who choose an apprenticeship mainly cite the desire to learn their dream job and quickly become financially independent. School fatigue and the desire for practical experience also play a role. Conversely, young people who do not choose this path have often never really thought about it: more than half have never considered an apprenticeship as an option. Many believe that their desired profession requires higher education.

Parents are the main point of reference in the career guidance process: more than eight out of ten young people receive their support. When parents encourage vocational training, their children are much more likely to be interested in it. Having a brother or sister who is doing an apprenticeship also significantly increases the likelihood of considering this path.

The most frequently cited advantages are the combination of theory and practice and the wide variety of occupations on offer. Young people also appreciate the early responsibility and the many opportunities for continuing education.

However, some reservations remain: many believe that the quality of training depends too much on the training company, that the workload is demanding, or that the recognition of qualifications abroad remains uncertain. The social status of apprenticeships is still perceived as less valuable than that of grammar school. To enhance the attractiveness of vocational training, communication should place greater emphasis on its equivalence with the grammar school route and on the variety of career paths it opens up.

Young people would like to see higher apprentice wages, more holidays and a simpler process for finding a place. Parents, for their part, emphasise the importance of quality control for training companies and easier access to higher education. These expectations reflect a shared need to improve the visibility, supervision and conditions of vocational training.