Vocational education and training at a glance

The Swiss VPET system is based on the duality between theory and practice. At upper-secondary level, this duality can be seen in the distribution of training content across different learning locations: classroom instruction takes place at a vocational school (theory) and workplace training takes place at a host company (practice). For some occupations, there is a third learning location, which is designed to complement the other two: these branch courses take place at a branch training centre. At tertiary level, this duality is expressed through a combination of classroom instruction and the previous and current work experience of participants. Regardless of the training location, theory and practice are interwoven in training content.

The requirements for individual upper-secondary level vocational qualifications and tertiary-level professional qualifications are determined by the private sector. Training covers only professional competences that are actually in demand and for which there are already existing job vacancies.

Clearly defined training programmes and nationally harmonised qualification procedures lead to qualifications that are also clearly understood, recognised and in demand on the labour market. Swiss upper-secondary level VET programmes provide learners with the professional competences needed to carry out the given professional activity on their own after graduation.

The Swiss education system is very flexible: individuals may pursue more advanced education and training, transition from vocational/professional pathways to general education/university pathways and later re-orient their working lives with relative ease. Continuing education options are also available at all levels.

The VPET system is collectively governed by the Confederation, the cantons and professional organisations. These three main partners work together to maintain a high level of quality within the VPET system. They also strive to ensure that there is an adequate supply of apprenticeship/traineeship positions and training options.

The Confederation, the cantons and, to a large extent, the private sector all contribute to funding of the Swiss VPET system. Most of the public sector costs are covered by the cantons and are used for the purpose of implementation.

Companies that offer apprenticeship positions do so on a voluntary basis. It is therefore crucial that these apprenticeships are perceived by host companies as a winning proposition. In order to obtain an up-to-date picture of company costs and benefits and associated factors, SERI commissioned the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) to conduct a cost-benefit survey, which was published in 2019. This was the fourth survey of its kind.