Vocational Education and Training / Middle School

A good education and professional life are important. Performance during the years of compulsory education has an important influence on future options. Following compulsory education, young people have various options to choose from to prepare themselves for professional life (Sekundarstufe II). Finding a good position without further education is difficult. The vocation and career counselling service in Glarus (Berufs- und Laufbahnberatung Glarus) offers free advice for young people and parents concerning continuing education and training.

Following compulsory education, most young people choose to attend vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Berufslehre). An apprenticeship involves young people acquiring the practical skills required for a profession through a work environment while also attending a vocational school. There are more than 250 different professions to choose from. An apprenticeship requires between 2 and 4 years to complete. Young people must independently apply for an apprenticeship with a firm. They should begin searching for a position during the last two years of compulsory school. Schools help young people in this process, but parents' support is necessary. The vocation and career counselling service in Glarus (Berufs- und Laufbahnberatung Glarus) offers free advice for young people on the options available. Young people who complete an apprenticeship can obtain a vocational diploma (Berufsmaturität) during or following vocational education and training.

Middle schools (Mittelschulen) offer a broad general education. These schools prepare students for an academic education at universities or universities of applied sciences (Universitäten or Fachhochschulen). There are middle schools through which students earn a university preparatory diploma and there are middle schools where students earn a specialised or vocational diploma. The university preparatory diploma grants direct access to universities. The specialised or vocational diploma grants direct access to universities of applied sciences. These are open to students with university preparatory diplomas as well. Specialised or vocational diploma students may attend universities by passing an exam. In some cases, additional conditions may apply.

Young people who move to Canton Glarus may, under certain circumstances, participate in a bridge programme (Brückenangebot) offered by the vocational school of commerce and industry (gewerblich-industrielle Berufsfachschule). The main emphasis is on preparation for work. A bridge programme supports young people in finding an internship or apprenticeship. Those interested should contact the vocational school of commerce and industry or the vocation and career counselling service in Glarus (Berufs- und Laufbahnberatung Glarus).