OK I checked out the documentation. I was mistaken, it is federally recognized.
Does the Apprenticeship program involve any sort of classroom education, or is it shop-based.
The Holzbau-Schweiz is similar to an apprenticeship program. Basically it is a trade-based program that works within the existing Swiss education system. It's a 3-year 'education' that includes coursework in the school -in the case of Holzbau Berner Oberland the school is in the city of Interlaken- and hands on experience with a participating firm. Note that these firms do not strictly practice the methods taught by the school, they also use modern methods like concrete and steel construction.
I am not sure if it is classed as such, but it would be in the Swiss system a 'Hochschul' in Switzerland after primary education, you go either to a 'Hochshul' or to the University. The Hochschul is where you learn a trade like carpentry, blacksmithing, baking, etc. The University is where you learn to be something like a doctor, engineer, etc.
