Vocational education and training in Switzerland

The Swiss VPET system enables young people to enter the labour market and ensures that there are enough skilled workers and managers in the future. It has a high labour market relevance and is an integral part of the education system. The VPET system is divided into two sectors: upper-secondary level vocational education and training (VET) and tertiary-level professional education.

Vocational education and training provides young people with their first exposure to working life. It is the basis for lifelong learning and opens a wide range of career prospects. There are around 250 occupations to choose from.

The Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB) gives Federal VET Diploma holders further, more general education and entitles them to enrol in a Swiss university of applied sciences (UAS) without having to take an entrance examination.

Universities of applied sciences (UAS) are part of the Swiss higher education sector. They offer a range of study programmes designed to prepare students for specific professional activities. Study programmes are structured according to the Bachelor-Master system. UAS also engage in applied research.

Professional education is geared to the needs of the labour market and prepares participants for challenging technical or managerial roles. Training combines theory and practice and ensures that the Swiss economy has an adequate supply of highly skilled workers.

Continuing education is important for individuals, society and the economy. The constant changes in the labour market combined with technological advances challenge adults to adapt and develop professionally throughout their working lives.

The internationalisation of education and labour poses challenges for the Swiss system of vocational and professional education and training (VPET). Switzerland has therefore taken active steps at multiple levels to address this phenomenon.