Worldwide demand for our know-how

The past two years have shown unequivocally that the Swiss business community stands behind vocational education and training. Even in economically difficult times and even more so during the pandemic, learners continue to pursue high-quality training to the same extent as previously. And for good reason: skilled workers, such as those provided by the Swiss VPET system, are indispensable for the economy and are crucial in ensuring the competitiveness of our country.

Switzerland would do well to further strengthen VET at all levels. The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) is a key player in this endeavour. It trains and develops highly qualified VET professionals, assists professional organisations with the creation, review and revision of training content and provides new VET insights through its research activities.

Moreover, SFUVET fosters international academic discussions and helps other countries to develop their VET systems. It is therefore an important ambassador for vocational education and training 'made in Switzerland'. And there is strong demand for our brand, as exemplified by the VET cooperation agreements that I had the honour to sign with Mexico and the USA last autumn as President of the Swiss Confederation.

I was also delighted to present the Enterprize award in 2021, which recognises innovative VET projects and personalities. This year’s award was given to a project to support talented young people in the field of ICT. Sponsored by the SVC Foundation for Entrepreneurship in cooperation with SFUVET, the Enterprize award encourages the advancement of vocational education and training.

As head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), I am pleased that SFUVET gained higher education institution status in 2021 thanks to the new SFUVET Act. We are thus building a bridge between general education and vocational education and training. This will make the Swiss education system stronger and reinforce Switzerland’s position as a business location.

Guy Parmelin
Federal Councillor, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research