Professional organisations include social partners, trade associations and other organisations and training providers. They are extensively involved in organising the strategy, concept and content of training at both upper-secondary and tertiary level. The Swiss VPET system is largely based on the voluntary participation of companies and professional organisations, which have a vested interest in training apprentices. Professional organisations establish the content of training. As a result, the content of initial and continuing training and the requirements that must be met for individual qualifications are aligned with the future needs of the labour market. All VET programmes undergo a cyclical review, at least once every five years to take into account economic, technological, environmental and didactic developments and are adapted as necessary. Tertiary-level training and corresponding professional qualifications are also regularly reviewed and adapted in response to new developments. Job-related continuing education and training (non-formal education) is provided by professional organisations and private training providers; the range of courses is large. New courses can be quickly implemented. This enables individuals to constantly adapt to new working requirements.

Collective governance