Vocational training with certificate BA

The vocational education with certificate (Berufsattest - BA) lasts two years and offers above all school weaker young people additional support. The qualification is state-recognized and shows that graduates have the skills required on the labor market to pursue a profession. The education takes place at the three learning locations: training company, vocational school and inter-company course center. The objectives, the educational content and their distribution among the learning locations are defined in the educational ordinances for the individual professions or in the respective educational plan. Those responsible for the three places of learning mutually coordinate the educational planning.

Host company

The host company trains the apprentices in professional practice. For this purpose, both parties conclude a written apprenticeship contract before the start of the basic vocational training, which must be approved by the Office for Vocational Training and Career Counseling. The learning content to be taught is listed in the training plan.

Vocational college

Attendance at the vocational college is compulsory. The assignment of apprentices to the respective vocational colleges is made exclusively by the Office for Vocational Education and Career Counseling.

Theoretical knowledge for the respective profession, but also general education is taught at the vocational college. The scope of the vocational material is defined in the respective education plan or the framework curriculum on general education. Furthermore the vocational college offer support courses as required.

At the end of each semester, the vocational college issues a certificate that is sent to the host company. This must be discussed by the person responsible for vocational training with the apprentice. If necessary, measures to improve academic performance must be agreed.

List of vocational colleges

Berufs- und Weiterbildungszentrum Rorschach-Rheintal
Gewerbliche Berufsschule Chur
Gewerbliche Berufsschule St. Gallen
Berufs- und Weiterbildungszentrum Buchs Sargans (bzbs.)

External or Industry courses

In the external or industry course centers - complementary to the education in the company and vocational college - the acquisition of basic practical skills is taught. Whether an external or industry course is required in the corresponding occupation is specified in the respective education ordinance. The learning content to be taught is listed in the education plan. 

Further information on basic vocational training can be found on the website www.next-step.li.