Supporting measures

Case management, levelling out disadvantages, one-to-one coaching and fact sheets

Various types of difficulties can arise during training. These may include learning disabilities, personal challenges or social difficulties. This is why there are various supporting measures that can be taken during basic vocational education and training.

Supporting measures

Levelling out disadvantages

Apprentices with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, visual and/or hearing impairments or other impairments may not be disadvantaged during their training and in the qualification procedure. The term “levelling out disadvantages” refers to specific measures aimed at compensating for any disadvantages.

These measures serve to adapt the training process and qualification procedure without lowering the standards.

Levelling out disadvantages is usually requested by the host company or vocational school. If there is no apprenticeship contract (e.g. BM2), the apprentices themselves are responsible for applying and must contact a specialist office. Responsibility varies from canton to canton.

eBook: Levelling Out Disadvantages for Persons with Disabilities in Vocational Education and Training (in German)
Report: Levelling Out Disadvantages – How a Term Changes Thoughts and Actions (in German)
Factsheet 213: Levelling Out Disadvantages (in German)
Factsheet 204: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
SBBK Recommendation: Levelling Out Disadvantages (May 2023) (in German)

One-to-one coaching in basic vocational education and training with Federal VET Certificate

One-to-one coaching is offered to apprentices during their two-year basic training. It is used in the case of learning difficulties or social challenges and helps young people to develop their skills in such a way that they can develop both professionally and personally. The cantons have implemented one-to-one coaching very differently.

SBBK: One-to-one coaching in basic vocational education and training with Federal VET Certificate (in German)
SERI: One-to-one coaching in basic vocational education and training with Federal VET Certificate (in German)

Case management for learners at risk of dropping out of VET programmes

Case management for learners at risk of dropping out of VET programmes is aimed at young people from the 7th school year and those up to the maximum age of 25, whose entry into the professional and working world is seriously at risk. It is primarily aimed at people facing multiple challenging circumstances, such as poor academic performance, health issues, low motivation, behavioural difficulties and little or no support from their parents. This case management is intended to prevent young people from failing to enter the vocational training and education system or from leaving the system without qualifications. They should be guided towards achieving their initial post-compulsory qualification at upper-secondary level and be integrated into the world of work.

The cantonal support organisations are listed under "Cantonal points of contact".

Individual competence records

Explaining levelling out disadvantages: fair opportunities for everyone

Information fact sheet series “Equal Opportunities and Fair Treatment”

The “Equal Opportunities and Fair Treatment” series of fact sheets contains key important information on individual topics such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, harassment and violence, and how to recognise signs at an early stage.

Factsheet 212: Data Protection and Privacy Rights (In German) [PDF, 78.49 KB]download
Factsheet 211: Depression and Suicide (in German) [PDF, 77 KB]download
Factsheet 201: Violence (in German) [PDF, 67.61 KB]download
Factsheet 202: Equal Opportunities [PDF, 322.5 KB]download
Factsheet 214: Personal Hygiene – Clean Clothing (in German) [PDF, 80.7 KB]download
Factsheet 203: Illness and accident (in German) [PDF, 88.58 KB]download
Factsheet 204: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia [PDF, 587.31 KB]download
Factsheet 205: Immigration [PDF, 316.31 KB]download
Factsheet 206: Harassment [PDF, 197.24 KB]download
Factsheet 213: Levelling Out Disadvantages for Persons with Disabilities in Vocational Education and Training (in German) [PDF, 67.66 KB]download
Factsheet 207: Racism [PDF, 499.35 KB]download
Factsheet 208: Pregnancy and maternity [PDF, 251.66 KB]download
Factsheet 209: Sexual harassment [PDF, 355.67 KB]download
Factsheet 210: Addiction [PDF, 401.29 KB]download

Source: Teaser image of the “Supporting measures” page by Rémi Walle via Unsplash

Matching documents

Factsheet 204: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia [PDF, 587.3 KB]download
Factsheet 211: Depression and Suicide (in German) [PDF, 77.0 KB]download
Factsheet 213: Levelling Out Disadvantages for Persons with Disabilities in Vocational Education and Training (in German) [PDF, 67.7 KB]download
SBBK: One-to-one coaching in basic vocational education and training with Federal VET Certificate (in German) [PDF, 46.2 KB]download
SBBK Recommendation: Levelling Out Disadvantages (May 2023) (in German) [PDF, 805.2 KB]download

News

19.06.2026

New design: Content of factsheets updated, now also in English The factsheets are regularly revised and updated. The revised factsheets now have a new design and are also available in English. The latest revision concerns the following factsheet: Factsheet 210: Addiction The information sheets can be downloaded from…

The factsheets are regularly revised and updated. The revised factsheets now have a new design and are also available in English. The latest revision concerns the following factsheet:

Factsheet 210: Addiction

The information sheets can be downloaded from the download center.

Expand

News

03.07.2025

New design: Content of factsheets updated, now also in English The factsheets are regularly revised and updated. The revised factsheets now have a new design and are also available in English. The latest revision concerns the following information sheets: Factsheet 206: Harassment Factsheet 209: Sexual harassment…

The factsheets are regularly revised and updated. The revised factsheets now have a new design and are also available in English. The latest revision concerns the following information sheets:

Factsheet 206: Harassment
Factsheet 209: Sexual harassment

The information sheets can be downloaded from the download center.

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Questions and Answers

FAQWhat support do apprentices receive during a two-year basic training course that leads to a Federal VET Certificate? Expand

FAQWhat happens if apprentices have disabilities?

If apprentices are restricted in learning anoccupation due to a disability, the cantonal Vocational Education and Training Office can grant “levelling out disadvantages” at the request of the host company. Levelling out disadvantages is granted in the event of physical disabilities or learning and performance difficulties such as dyslexia (difficulties reading and spelling) if, despite support measures such as remedial courses, the successful completion of the qualification procedure (QP) is called into question.

The cantonal Vocational Education and Training Offices provide information and advice. They also coordinate the specialist agencies and are responsible for granting levelling out disadvantages.

BBG Art. 3, 18, 21; BBV Art. 35

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FAQWhat entitlement do apprentices have to attend remedial courses? Expand

FAQWhat entitlement do apprentices have to take optional subjects?

Apprentices can attend optional courses for a maximum of one half-day per week (e.g. the preparatory course for the vocational baccalaureate after completing basic education and training (BM2) if they perform satisfactorily at the company and vocational school. Attendance takes place without salary deduction.

In the event of a dispute, the relevant cantonal authority shall decide.

BBG Art. 22 para. 3; BBV Art. 20 para. 1

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Matching glossary entries

GlossaryChange in apprenticeship positionAs a general rule, an apprenticeship contract is signed for the entire duration of the VET programme. However, a change in apprenticeship position may be necessary if: the company’s situation does not enable it to provide apprenticeship training; the…

GlossaryCase management for learners at risk of dropping out of VET programmesCase management is a structured procedure that applies adequate measures to young people whose access to the labour market may be seriously compromised. The target group is comprised of adolescents from the 7th year of schooling (i.e. 9th year of…

GlossaryLevelling out disadvantagesDisabled persons who are enrolled in upper-secondary level vocational education and training (VET) or tertiary-level professional education should not be at a disadvantage in learning, in VET schools, in branch courses and in qualification procedures…

Supporting measures

Case management, levelling out disadvantages, one-to-one coaching and fact sheets