Apprenticeship in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein offers more than 120 state-recognised apprenticeship occupations across 22 occupational fields. The dual pathway uses three learning locations: the Lehrbetrieb or training-company network provides practical training, the Berufsfachschule provides occupational and general education, and überbetriebliche Kurse (ÜK) teach essential practical skills that individual companies may not cover. Liechtenstein has no own vocational schools, so learners usually attend approved Swiss schools under the Intercantonal Vocational School Agreement, including locations in Rorschach-Rheintal, Chur, St. Gallen and Buchs-Sargans. School-organised vocational education is legally possible where the relevant programme provides for it. A two-year programme leads to a Berufsattest (BA). A three- or four-year programme leads to a Fähigkeitszeugnis (FZ). The exact duration, subjects, learning locations, admission conditions and final assessment follow the occupational regulation and training plan for the chosen occupation. The Qualifikationsverfahren (QV) is the final assessment: it may combine examinations, partial assessments or an approved procedure for skills acquired outside a formal apprenticeship. The Amt für Berufsbildung und Berufsberatung (ABB) organises the assessment and issues the BA, FZ or related record of results. Access normally requires completion of compulsory schooling or an equivalent qualification. In practice, the process begins with searching for a position, applying to a training company and signing a written Lehrvertrag, or apprenticeship contract. The company submits the contract through the Lehrbetriebsportal to the ABB before the start; ABB approval is required for the contract to be valid. A minor's legal representative signs as well. The company needs a Bildungsbewilligung, must pass an suitability review and workplace visit, and must appoint a qualified Berufsbildner or training supervisor. This supervisor generally needs an FZ or equivalent qualification, at least two years of professional experience and vocational-pedagogical training of 50 learning hours or a 20-hour course. The contract sets out the occupation, duration, wage, probation period, working time and holidays. The probation period normally lasts one to three months and can exceptionally be extended to six months; during probation, either side can generally end the contract with seven days' notice. Learners work towards the training objectives, attend vocational school and compulsory ÜK, and receive reasonable opportunities to participate in matters concerning their training. The company must provide proper occupational instruction, release learners for school, ÜK and the QV without reducing their pay, and use them primarily for occupation-related work. ÜK counts as working time, and the company may not charge compulsory ÜK costs to the learner or legal representative. The ABB advises, supervises and supports the parties and can help resolve disputes. A training certificate is issued after completion. The State pays the school fees of commissioned vocational and professional baccalaureate schools, the QV, support and optional courses, and approved training courses for supervisors. It subsidises ÜK, while the remaining ÜK costs are borne by the training company. Learners may still pay for personal textbooks and teaching materials, study weeks, excursions and language certificates. Career guidance for Liechtenstein residents is voluntary and generally free through the career service and BIZ in Schaan. Wages are set in the apprenticeship contract, and school or apprenticeship start dates depend on the occupation, contract and school organisation. Learners who need additional support can apply for Fachkundige individuelle Begleitung (FiB), especially in a two-year BA programme. Adults can complete a regular apprenticeship, use a shortened pathway, take the QV without completing a formal apprenticeship or seek validation of existing learning. A shortened or extended programme depends on prior education and practical experience and is decided by the ABB after consultation. A person may generally take the QV without an apprenticeship contract after at least five years of professional experience, including experience in at least part of the target occupation. After an FZ, additional general education can lead to the Berufsmaturität. BA and FZ qualifications from Liechtenstein and Switzerland are mutually recognised under the current agreement in force from 1 January 2026, which supports access to employment and further education but does not replace occupation-specific admission requirements. The ABB can also support placements abroad.