Work characteristics and well-being of Swiss apprentices entering the labor market

Young people in five occupations were investigated before the end of vocati onal training and again one year later (N = 675). In general, working condi tions were within the range found in adult samples, with some values for st ressors, however, being on the higher end. Conditions were especially good for electronic technicians, rather good for bank clerks, but comparatively worse for cooks and salespeople. For nurses, a stressful job was combined w ith good social conditions. Attitudes are positive towards life in general but rather low towards work. Stress symptoms (irritability) are on the high end of the typical range for adults, Where there are changes over time, th ey are to the better for many working conditions and for work attitudes, St ress symptoms, however, tend to increase, More than 50 per cent of particip ants change employers. They seem to profit from leaving which is remarkable because many of them did not have a choice, Overall, stability seems more prominent.