Vocational education: Overview
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Around two thirds of the adolescents in Switzerland enter vocational education after the secondary level. Confederation, cantons and commercial organisations participate in vocational education. Approx. 300 professions combined with vocational education can be selected.
Basic vocational education
Basic vocational education lasts between two and four years:
Basic vocational education lasts between two and four years:
 | The two year basic education has replaced the "Anlehre" form of basic vocational training. Qualification is in the form of a Federal professional certification. The two year basic education allows predominantly practically oriented adolescents to gain a recognised professional qualification. |
| The three or four year basic education is completed with the corresponding federal certificate and prepares the adolescents for specific professional training. |
| The vocational Matura (Berufsmatur) is an enhancement of the three or four year basic vocational education. The associated federal certificate is an integral element of the vocational maturity degree. The vocational Matura can be acquired in two ways: either through attending a corresponding school with a subsequent final exam (in parallel to the basic vocational education or after a concluded basic vocational education) or, independent of any school, in the form of the federal vocational Matura exam after the basic vocational education has been completed. The duration of such vocational education is at least six semesters. |
Venues
Vocational education is provided at company of employment, vocational schools, and in cross-company courses.
Vocational education is provided at company of employment, vocational schools, and in cross-company courses.
| The apprenticeship/traineeship in the company of employment combined with vocational schools are the predominant form of vocational education. The skills applicable to the profession are taught in the company of employment (generally three to four days a week). The vocational school (one to two days a week) provides the school education (general and professional education). There are also other possible forms of organising the basic vocational education such as full time vocational schools (e.g. training workshops or informatics middle schools) or models with decreasing school lessons or models with basis learning years. |
| Vocational practical skills and additional school education in cross-company courses are arranged in addition to the education in the companies of employment and vocational schools. Cross-company courses are usually carried out in the companies' own training centres. |
Responsibilities
According to the vocational education law, the vocational education is a combined responsibility of the Confederation and professional organisations . The Confederation, which is represented by the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET), has the overall strategic control over vocational education. Amongst other aspects, this responsibility involves legislation, quality assurance, further development of the overall system and encouragement of innovation. Until today, the Swiss Institute for Vocational Pedagogy (SIBP) has been the responsible body for vocational education and further education. In 2004 the new concept of the SIBP will be introduced when the vocational education law takes effect. This will be continued as the New Federal University for Vocational Education (EHB).
The cantons organise the implementation and monitoring of the vocational education. The cantonal vocational education departments are the executive bodies for vocational education. The operating of part-time and full-time vocational schools as well as professional information and career counselling centres also belong to the scope of tasks of the cantons. The entities responsible for the professional environment (companies, professional associations, social partner, other responsible organisations and providers of vocational education) define the learning contents, mediate vocational qualifications and provide apprenticeships.
Financing
In 2002, CHF 3,405.8 million were invested in vocational education. The cantons bear the main financial share of the vocational education (Confederation share: approx. 14 %).In the same year, higher vocational education amounted to a sum of CHF 247.6 million.. Here, too, the main financial portion is assumed by the cantons (Confederation share: approx. 13 %) The Confederation will increase its financial share with the new vocational education law. An approximate value for the cost sharing of the Confederation is a quarter of the public expenses for vocational education. Entities from the professional environment and training centres also contribute towards the financing of vocational education. Companies contribute financially in particular to higher vocational education and further professional education.
According to the vocational education law, the vocational education is a combined responsibility of the Confederation and professional organisations . The Confederation, which is represented by the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET), has the overall strategic control over vocational education. Amongst other aspects, this responsibility involves legislation, quality assurance, further development of the overall system and encouragement of innovation. Until today, the Swiss Institute for Vocational Pedagogy (SIBP) has been the responsible body for vocational education and further education. In 2004 the new concept of the SIBP will be introduced when the vocational education law takes effect. This will be continued as the New Federal University for Vocational Education (EHB).
The cantons organise the implementation and monitoring of the vocational education. The cantonal vocational education departments are the executive bodies for vocational education. The operating of part-time and full-time vocational schools as well as professional information and career counselling centres also belong to the scope of tasks of the cantons. The entities responsible for the professional environment (companies, professional associations, social partner, other responsible organisations and providers of vocational education) define the learning contents, mediate vocational qualifications and provide apprenticeships.
Financing
In 2002, CHF 3,405.8 million were invested in vocational education. The cantons bear the main financial share of the vocational education (Confederation share: approx. 14 %).In the same year, higher vocational education amounted to a sum of CHF 247.6 million.. Here, too, the main financial portion is assumed by the cantons (Confederation share: approx. 13 %) The Confederation will increase its financial share with the new vocational education law. An approximate value for the cost sharing of the Confederation is a quarter of the public expenses for vocational education. Entities from the professional environment and training centres also contribute towards the financing of vocational education. Companies contribute financially in particular to higher vocational education and further professional education.
| More information on vocational education |
 | Developments |
| Statistical data |
| Terms of admission |
| Course content |
| Requirements |
| Further education |
| Further information |
