Swiss dual training faces scrutiny over abuse and pressure

Switzerland’s dual vocational training system is facing growing criticism after apprentices reported discrimination, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure, SRF reported. Advocates are calling for stronger protections for young people in training.

In June 2024, Lana Voisard broke her silence during her diploma ceremony in Delsberg, a town in the canton of Jura. As the best graduate in her year, she received her Federal VET Certificate as a hairdresser before speaking publicly about discrimination, racism, threats, sexism, humiliation, bullying, unfair treatment, daily pressure, working hours that were not respected and inadequate training.

“At first, things went well with my vocational trainer, but gradually it fell apart,” Voisard said. “We were reprimanded and humiliated in front of customers over every trivial mistake.”

One quarter of apprentices in Switzerland end their training prematurely. Workmed, a subsidiary of health insurer Swica, surveyed 44,000 apprentices in all cantons. Although 80 percent said they felt comfortable in their apprenticeships, a more detailed survey found that 60 percent reported psychological difficulties.

Psychologist and career adviser Nathalie Kamber said the unequal relationship between apprentices and adults was part of the problem. “It is complicated for a young person to approach an adult and express their discomfort or difficulties,” she said. “The relationship is still asymmetrical. It is quite frightening for them to confront the adult.”

Josephine, a trainee in a male-dominated profession whose name was changed, also tried unsuccessfully to raise the alarm. She reported sexist harassment, obscene photographs and beatings. “You ask yourself: Why are they doing this to me? Did I deserve it?” she said.

When an apprenticeship inspector visited, he criticised her clothing. She left before the end of her first year, exhausted, and later tried to take her own life.

Call for unannounced inspections

A popular initiative in the canton of Neuchâtel is calling for greater protection for apprentices, including unannounced inspections at companies. It has collected nearly 6,000 signatures and has deeply divided the canton.

The cantonal government and employers are urging voters to reject the initiative. They say it discredits vocational trainers and threatens the dual education system. A study commissioned by 26 Neuchâtel business organisations found that 80 percent of apprentices felt “good to very good” at their companies, while 6 percent said they were suffering.

Nadia Lamamra, a sociologist and research director at the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, found that 76 percent of people responsible for vocational training received no reduction in their working hours to carry out that role.

“It is a dual system based on voluntary service,” Lamamra said. “You can see the direct link between the conditions faced by vocational trainers and the health of apprentices.”

Voisard contacted the cantonal vocational training office to request a change of company. The only response she received was an email warning of the risks of leaving her employer without consent, including possible criminal proceedings for breach of contract. “That immediately frightened me,” she said.

Lamamra said Switzerland’s confidence in its vocational training system could prevent it from addressing its weaknesses. “In Switzerland, there is a difficulty, a blindness created by this discourse: We have the best system in the world. So we question nothing,” she said.

After her speech, Voisard was asked to leave the salon the following day. Now 22, she is seeking a new direction and cuts hair only for people close to her. Her former vocational trainer declined to comment verbally but said in writing that there had been opportunities to raise concerns and that Voisard had “made no accusation”.

People in Switzerland experiencing suicidal thoughts can contact Die Dargebotene Hand on 143 at any time, or find support at 143.ch. Children and young people can contact Pro Juventute on 147 or via 147.ch.