Recognise, analyse and use trends
According to the newly developed monitoring system used by SFIVET’s Swiss Observatory for Vocational Education and Training (OBS SFIVET), the most frequently cited trend topic of the 2018 monitoring period was upskilling (i.e. the process of learning more advanced skills). SFIVET researchers adopted a multi-phase systematic approach to scan current scientific and technical texts for the purpose of identifying trends and potential challenges affecting vocational education and training. In 2019, researchers focussed on issues relating to upskilling; the corresponding trend report will be published in 2020.
In November 2019, OBS SFIVET presented the results of the fourth cost-benefit survey of vocational education and training. Commissioned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), this study showed that most host companies derive a net benefit from providing workplace training to learners and subsequently hiring them – instead of recruiting skilled workers from outside their organisation. The results were presented at a press conference with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and triggered extensive media coverage all over Switzerland.
Another important research project completed by the OBS SFIVET team was a multi-part career study commissioned by the Swiss professional organisation for social care occupations (Savoirsocial). This study provides policymakers with in-depth knowledge about the training and career paths of individual occupational groups in social care, including decisions to change jobs within the same occupational field and decisions to leave the social care field altogether.
SFIVET’s Observatory: key issues
