Interview Questions for Hiring an Apprentice
Hiring an apprentice (Lernende/r) requires questions that uncover motivation for the trade, ability to learn under supervision, and reliability. This guide provides 20 questions grouped by competency, with guidance on strong versus weak answers and legal considerations specific to Swiss apprenticeship law.
An apprenticeship is a three- or four-year commitment. Your questions must probe whether the candidate genuinely wants this trade, can handle the physical and mental demands, and will show up reliably. Unlike hiring a skilled worker, you're assessing potential and character as much as current ability.
Swiss apprenticeship candidates are typically 15–16 years old and come from obligatory school. They have limited work experience. Frame questions to be encouraging but honest—you need to understand their motivation and how they handle challenge, not intimidate them.
Motivation and Trade Choice
Ask why they chose this specific trade. A strong answer names concrete reasons: they spent a day shadowing, they like working with their hands, they admire someone in the field. Weak answers sound generic: 'It seemed interesting' or 'My parents suggested it.'
Probe what they know about the day-to-day reality. Have they spoken to apprentices already working in your company or the sector? Do they understand the physical demands, the hours, the seasonal variation (if any)?
- Tell me why you chose this apprenticeship and not another.
- What did you learn during your Schnupperlehre (trial week) or job shadowing?
- Can you describe a typical day for someone in this role?
- Who influenced your decision, and what did they tell you about the work?
- What part of this apprenticeship appeals to you most?
- Are there any parts of the job you're worried about or unsure of?
Learning Ability and Resilience
Ask for an example of something they found hard in school and how they tackled it. Strong answers show they asked for help, practised repeatedly, or found a different approach. Weak answers blame the teacher or give up quickly.
Apprentices make mistakes. Test whether they can accept feedback without defensiveness. Ask how they react when corrected or when something doesn't work the first time.
- Give me an example of a school subject that was difficult for you. How did you handle it?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you respond?
- If I showed you how to do something and you got it wrong the first few times, how would you feel?
- Have you ever had to learn something completely new? What was the experience like?
- How do you react when someone corrects you?
- Describe a goal you set and achieved, even a small one.
Reliability and Work Habits
Attendance matters enormously. Ask directly about their school attendance record and any medical issues that might affect apprenticeship start. In Switzerland, apprentices must attend cantonal trade school (Berufsfachschule) one or two days per week; you need to know they will show up.
Probe punctuality, how they organise their time, and what they do outside school. Someone who plays team sports or does chores at home shows structure. Someone glued to screens may struggle with early starts.
- How was your attendance in the last year of school?
- Do you have any ongoing health conditions or appointments we should know about?
- What time do you usually wake up on a school day?
- Tell me about something you're responsible for outside school.
- How do you plan your week when you have homework and other commitments?
- Do you play sports, do chores, or have other regular commitments? Tell me about them.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it illegal to ask about health conditions?
- You can ask about ongoing medical conditions that affect attendance or safety (e.g., 'Do you have any health issues we should know about as you start apprenticeship?'). You cannot ask for diagnosis, medical history, or details about disabilities unless they directly affect the role. A lawyer should confirm questions specific to your canton and trade.
- Can I ask about family background or parents?
- Do not ask questions designed to identify family wealth, parental profession, religion, or immigration status. You may ask what influences their career choice. Avoid: 'What do your parents do?' or 'Where are you from originally?' Keep the focus on the candidate's own motivation and capability.
- What should I do if a candidate seems very young or immature?
- Maturity varies widely at 15–16. Ask behavioural questions rather than making judgments. If they seem unable to handle basic responsibility (attendance, following instructions, safety), discuss your concerns with their school or parents. Consider offering a structured trial week (Schnupperlehre) before final commitment.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.