For years many top managers whose education was limited to an apprenticeship could simply rise in the ranks of the company to which they devoted their life. At the end of compulsory education (usually at 16), the apprentice starts work in a company four days a week and theoretical teaching is provided on the remaining working day.

This system used to be one of the foundations of the highly skilled Swiss workforce and the industrial strength of the country; people could definitely be successful with an apprenticeship. They still can, but there is a growing prejudice against apprenticeships and without a university degree it is now difficult to get a position as a senior executive. A recent advertising campaign tried to enhance the image of apprenticeships, but the battle will not be easy to win.