Full sails ahead for Swiss vocational education and training

On visits to small- and large-sized companies, educational institutions and other partners in Switzerland and abroad, I am often reminded directly of just how valuable the Swiss VET sector is, especially in times of technological change. Companies in Switzerland are closely involved in the provision of workplace training in dual-track VET programmes, which ensures that the Swiss VET programmes can be continuously adapted to the latest economic trends and labour market needs.

In the area of digitalisation, VET is not just a pillar of the Swiss economy, it is also potentially a real catalyst for the early adoption and transfer of digital innovations. The Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (SFIVET) plays an important role in this respect as an institution that offers pedagogical training to VET professionals and conducts research and development in the VET field. SFIVET is able to assist vocational schools in their digital transformation, for example.

SFIVET’s future course was charted in 2019. The Federal Council chose a new SFIVET Board Chairman and confirmed the appointment of SFIVET’s new Director. It also submitted the draft of the new SFIVET Act to the Swiss Parliament. Whether SFIVET retains its current status or, as proposed by the Federal Council, it becomes a federal higher education institution specialised in vocational education and training: Switzerland needs a strong national institution whose pedagogical training, research and development activities ensure that the Swiss VET sector remains appealing, adaptable and innovative in the digital future.

Guy Parmelin
Federal Councillor