Switzerland’s apprenticeship model delivers benefits on both sides of the desk. For young people, it offers a high-quality start to a career with real responsibility and recognised qualifications. For the Bank, it creates a reliable pipeline of skilled colleagues.
As we welcome new cohorts and celebrate those who complete their programmes each year, we see the positive effects of the scheme in our teams’ energy, our talent pipeline, and our reputation as a learning organisation committed to the next generation of professionals.
To ensure high-quality training, we rely on a strong network of mentors: we have 20 trainers in Geneva and Zurich involved in apprentice development. Their guidance helps apprentices build the skills and confidence to deliver effectively from day one.
“An apprentice brings a fresh, young perspective that challenges assumptions and sparks new ideas across the team which is highly appreciated. And it is energising for the team to watch an apprentice learn and grow so quickly and be able to meaningfully contribute to the team’s objectives.”
Christoph Braun, COO Zurich & Basel
For apprentices, the value is equally clear. They receive, after a three-year training programme, a recognised federal certificate and graduate with hands-on experience in the private banking industry. They finish with a clear sense of direction.
“By combining theory and practice, the apprenticeship gave me an all-round education that has allowed me to develop skills and knowledge that are be essential to my professional future.”
Augustine Bugnon, Assistant Relationship Manager, Emerging Markets (earned her Federal Certificate in June 2026)
Apprentice recruitment
Know someone finishing secondary school who’s passionate about economics, finance, or banking? Applications open every autumn on the UBP Careers page, for a starting date the following August.
“UBP has been successfully training apprentices for many years. The Swiss apprenticeship, as an all-round training and education programme, is a valuable tool in ensuring we are training the new guard.”
Laurence Levy Christinet, Learning & Development Manager
