The systems peculiar to Switzerland allow very young students to follow training that combines working in a company and oriented school training: the « apprenticeship ». This training lasts between 3 and 4 years. Often, these young workers later opt for superior training channels (universities and universities of applied sciences), notably in technologies. The diplomas obtained can of course be completed by post grades.

This almost unique system in the world offers young people the possibility to reach a university-like training, after a course sounded out as being purely practical. Out of these ingenious channels come a great number of students with an already sound professional experience who master their working technique and who are ready to apply their new knowledge in the companies or institutes that employ them.