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In the Swiss apprenticeship system, the recruitment of apprentices is subject to very little state regulation and is largely left to the host companies. Based on remarks by on-the-job trainers, this paper aims to gain a better understanding of the process of recruiting apprentices and the selection criteria used. These are presented in order of importance. Motivation, academic results, and soft skills are given particular focus. However, a less frequent criterion is also highlighted: indigenous capital. These results highlight the variety and also the variability of selection criteria, and enable a discussion of the risks of discrimination attached to each of them.