The Senate followed the House of Representatives and called on the government to present a draft law.
During the debate on Wednesday, opponents argued such a policy would encourage illegal immigration defying recommendations by the justice minister Karin Keller-Sutter and a parliamentary committee.
Supporters, notably from left-wing parties, said a more liberal policy would help a handful of highly motivated young people.
Between 2013 and 2020 Switzerland temporarily opened apprenticeships to irregular migrants under strict conditions, but only about 60 people benefited from the scheme.
As a result of the latest decision, the government now has to submit a draft law to parliament.
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Work permit in Switzerland
Obtaining a permit to work in Switzerland depends on many factors, including where you are from, the skills you have and quotas.
Employees in Switzerland increasingly stressed at work
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The proportion of people in Switzerland who are stressed at work has increased by 5% over ten years, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
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F/A-18 fighter jets will practice take offs and landings on the A1 motorway between Payerne and Avenches in canton Vaud on June 5.
Swisscom finalises financing for Vodafone Italia takeover
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Telecoms group Swisscom has taken the next step in its takeover of Vodafone Italia and secured financing for the deal, the company said on Thursday.
Switzerland commits CHF50 million to combat rural poverty worldwide
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The Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF49.5 million ($54.1 million) for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
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Geneva pilot project regularises over 1,000 illegal immigrants
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A total of 1,093 illegal immigrants have been regularised under the “Papyrus” pilot project launched a year ago in Geneva.
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Some 76,000 illegal and undocumented immigrants live in Switzerland. In 2015, Geneva launched a pilot project to go about regularising them.
Apprenticeships and their social status – your views
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We asked readers whether apprenticeships were considered a good option in their home countries. Some were positive, others said “not always”.
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Like many refugees in Switzerland, Solomon Aklilu hasn’t got a job. But thanks to a government program, he can now do an internship and attend school.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.