Tenth school year / vocational choice year / secondary school B:
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The term "10th school year" refers to vocational preparation at a vocational school that prepares students for secondary school or an apprenticeship. "Transitional options" or "intermediate year", on the other hand, describes many more options that can be started after compulsory schooling, such as pre-apprenticeships, creative preliminary courses, a home economics year, a social year, a language stay, an au pair position, a preliminary course at a vocational college, a motivation semester or similar.

The career choice year is a variant for the 10th school year. An alternative would be, for example, the preparatory year for secondary school. While students in the first option focus intensively on career choice and preparation for vocational school, the second option focuses on closing gaps in their school knowledge for the transition to secondary school.

Further information can be obtained directly from the schools. Get in touch with the right contact person quickly, easily and without obligation using our contact form.

Vocational choice year, vocational preparation year or transitional options are various programs aimed at young people after compulsory schooling and before starting an apprenticeship or continuing their education. One of these programs is the 10th school year, which usually includes lessons five days a week and supports young people in choosing a career and developing social, personal and professional skills.

After compulsory schooling, there are various follow-up solutions for young people without an apprenticeship or secondary school. These are often referred to as the "10th school year", but vary from canton to canton.

Public transitional options

• Vocational preparation year (BVJ) or cantonal transitional options to prepare for an apprenticeship.
• Career choice or integration classes with school support and job application training.
• Combined models with school and internship (full-time or part-time).
• Secondary school preparation classes for secondary schools.

Labor market programs

Motivation semester (SEMO) for young people without a follow-up solution. Registration takes place via the Regional Employment Center (RAV).

Private offers

10th school years at private schools with academic specialization or vocational preparation, sometimes with certificates or diplomas.

Offers with special support

Programs for young people with special needs or disabilities, often in cooperation with disability insurance (IV).

The career choice year is aimed at young people who do not know exactly what they want to do after their compulsory schooling, who have not received an apprenticeship contract, who are not yet old enough for certain apprenticeships or who still need prior knowledge for further education. For this reason, there is a wide range of options, from attending the 10th school year as general vocational preparation, language courses, pre-apprenticeships and stays abroad to preparatory courses and social assignments. If you are unsure about what you would like to do, we recommend talking to a careers advisor, who will be able to help you decide which transitional options are right for you.

Some BWS vocational schools offer up to four different profiles for school leavers to choose from. For example, the intermediate year can be a practical vocational preparation year (BVJ), a school-based BVJ, a company-based BVL or an integration-oriented BVJ for young people who speak a foreign language. Additional courses can also be taken, such as preparatory courses for the BMS entrance exam or preparation for language certificates. Some vocational schools also offer special vocational preparation courses, for example for young top athletes. However, it should be noted that not every BWS and not every canton actually offers all career choice year profiles, so you should inform yourself thoroughly in advance, for example by contacting the schools directly using our contact form.