Evaluation and outlook of the apprenticeship monitoring system and the role of apprenticeship inspectors in the Canton of Vaud
The aim of this study is to understand how the apprenticeship monitoring system works in the canton of Vaud. The first step is to identify the various practices in the French-speaking cantons of Switzerland as well as in the cantons of Bern and Solothurn. The next step is to take stock of the activities of apprenticeship inspectors and examine ways in which the system in the canton of Vaud can be further developed.
The Canton of Vaud’s Office for Vocational and Continuing Education and Training (OFPC) has commissioned a study on the current apprenticeship monitoring system in the Canton of Vaud, and more specifically on the activities of apprenticeship inspectors.
This study has two objectives that will be achieved in two stages of analysis.
Apprenticeship monitoring practices differ from one canton to another, in terms of the offices responsible for monitoring, the legal framework or the tasks assigned to apprenticeship inspectors. In the first stage of analysis, a comparative synthesis will be carried out to determine how the apprenticeship monitoring system currently works in all French-speaking cantons as well as in all French-speaking cantons as well as in the cantons of Bern and Solothurn.
The second stage of analysis aims at identifying possible ways in which the apprenticeship monitoring system in the Canton of Vaud may be developed further or even improved. A clearer understanding should be gained of what apprenticeship inspectors do and what challenges they face in their work. Researchers will collaborate with apprenticeship inspectors in order to build on their experience and to create a shared body of professional knowledge. Analysis of their working contexts as well as the challenges and limitations encountered will also shed light on various ways in which the apprenticeship monitoring system in the Canton of Vaud can be improved.
The first stage of the study is intended to provide an overview of the key features of the apprenticeship monitoring systems in French-speaking cantons as well as in the cantons of Bern and Solothurn. Researchers will therefore analyse official cantonal documents and data on apprenticeship monitoring and in particular, those relating to the work of apprenticeship inspectors. This information will be obtained from cantonal websites (legal framework, structure of the apprenticeship monitoring system, tasks of the apprenticeship inspectors and other assignees). In order to complete the information (remits, professional affiliations and profiles of apprenticeship inspectors and other assignees, data on the number of cases handled per year and per inspector, etc.), researchers will also conduct a brief survey (by e-mail and telephone) of cantonal apprenticeship monitoring offices.
In the second stage of the study, the legal framework, remits and assignments of apprenticeship inspectors as well as existing Swiss studies on the subject will be examined. Researchers will conduct semi-guided interviews with ten apprenticeship inspectors and organise focus group discussions at five vocational schools (apprenticeship inspectors, guidance counsellors, school directors) in order to gain a better understanding of what apprenticeship monitoring entails. The aim will therefore be to describe how the various stakeholders understand apprenticeship monitoring and how it is applied in order to identify the limitations, challenges, freedom of action and issues encountered in apprenticeship monitoring. This will enable ascertainment of needs, possible alternative approaches and even desired or necessary improvements in monitoring practices. The group discussions will thus help the experts themselves to identify possible ways in which the apprenticeship monitoring system can be improved.
An advisory group will also be set up to discuss the results of analysis both during and upon completion of the study.