Survey among commercial apprentices: Focus on overtime and digitization

With over 12,000 graduates per year, the commercial apprenticeship is the most popular basic education in Switzerland. In order to monitor the situation during and after the apprenticeship as well as the future plans of young professionals, the Swiss Commercial Association has conducted an annual survey of commercial apprentices in Switzerland since 2006. In the first survey wave of this year's apprenticeship leavers survey in July 2022, around 4,000 people took part, i.e. just under a third of all commercial apprentices in Switzerland; in the second survey wave in November 2022, around 1,600 people took part. In view of the KV reform, which will start in the summer of 2023, the Swiss Commercial Association, in cooperation with the Institute of Political Science at the University of Zurich, has placed the focus on digitalization.

Stable job situation and many further training plans

The majority of graduates (65.9%) are employed at the time of the second survey wave in November 2022 (see chart 1). Although the proportion of employed persons is slightly lower than in the previous year, it remains in line with the average of the last five years. Around 25.5% are in a non-employment situation after apprenticeship, such as further education, language study or military service. Only 5.5% are looking for a job in November 2022.

Overtime and compensation during apprenticeship

One focus of the 2022 survey is on overtime during apprenticeship: Almost two thirds of all participants (63%) stated that they had to work overtime during their basic training. Of these, 40% of the cases are voluntary overtime as part of flexitime and flexible working hours. Also 40% worked involuntary overtime to complete work assignments. "The proportion of people who had to work involuntary overtime on a weekly basis is worrying," emphasizes Kathrin Ziltener, specialist in charge of vocational training at the Swiss Commercial Association. That is around 7% of all participants. Another 12% had to work involuntary overtime several times a month. "Especially during apprenticeships, where work and school already represent a double burden, frequent and long overtime hours can have a negative impact on the mental health of learners."

Majority positive perception of digitization

Digitization is changing the world of work in many industries and is also having a significant impact on everyday working life in the commercial sector. Routine activities are increasingly being eliminated, while analytical, coordinative and interpersonal activities are becoming more central. This is why the Swiss Commercial Association, in collaboration with the Institute of Political Science at the University of Zurich, investigated how apprentices perceive digitalization. The majority of participants see digitization as an opportunity (72%) rather than a risk (21%) - 7% did not comment on this question. The most common reason given by apprentices for their positive view is that digitization makes work easier. Prof. Dr. Thomas Kurer, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Zurich, adds: "The participants confirmed that they feel well prepared for the working world as a result of their training. Nevertheless, Kurer points out, "However, digitization is not seen by everyone only as a positive force. Around one-fifth are worried about their professional future." The main reason for this, he says, is the fear that computers or software will replace human labor.

At the same time, the apprenticeship graduates realistically note that automation and digitization will fundamentally change many areas of daily work. The participants estimate that, theoretically, an average of 48% of their work could be digitized (see Figure 2). This roughly corresponds to an empirical study by the OECD, which estimates the proportion of automatable activities in the commercial sector at 57%.

Commercial apprentices feel well prepared

In summary, most participants see changes brought about by digitization as an opportunity and have a positive view of the digital transformation. "Basic commercial training is seen as a valuable foundation and good preparation for the modern job market," adds Ziltener. "At the same time, there is a high awareness of the importance and necessity of ongoing training."

Source: KV Switzerland