Supporting Apprentices' Autonomy in Vocational Training – Insights into the Practices at the Swiss Post

The notion of autonomy is increasingly emphasized in [vocational education and training] VET. In this paper, we address how companies and vocational trainers can respond appropriately to this vital, basic psychological need. Based on examples from a qualitative study conducted at the Swiss Post we discuss measures meant to support autonomy in apprentices. We clarify the notion of autonomy and its crucial connection to human motivation by reviewing some of the supervising methods of workplace trainers and provide information about training measures by which the Swiss Post affords autonomy-support for its apprentices.