Embracing digitalisation in 2019

In 2019, digitalisation was once again a major focus of SFIVET activities. SFIVET continued its trans:formation programme, which is designed to provide vocational school directors and teachers with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate the digital transformation in their schools. Under this programme, Digi-Check workshops are organised to enable assessment of the current level of digital skills at vocational schools. Based on the outcome of these assessments, SFIVET then provides follow-up project support and tailor-made training courses to enable vocational schools to make the most of digital transformation opportunities. In 2019, SFIVET also launched a new CAS course in ‘Digital Learning’.

Another priority was the preparatory work for the planned accreditation of SFIVET as a higher education institution. All of the targeted milestones set for this process were achieved. In 2020, the new Federal Act on the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training will be debated in the Swiss Parliament.

The successful introduction of revised vocational pedagogy courses and the launch of the new Bachelor of Science degree programme in vocational education and training in autumn 2019 were rewarding highlights for the Basic Training Division. SFIVET staff also devoted their attention to gender issues as a cross-cutting theme in SFIVET activities.

Finally, the Federal Council took important decisions regarding SFIVET’s strategic and operational management. Adrian Wüthrich was appointed as the new Chairman of the SFIVET Board, and Barbara Fontanellaz as SFIVET’s new Director. Both took up their duties on 1 March 2020.