The cross-cutting skills that apprentices acquire during vocational training are important for the progression of enterprises

How can Switzerland inspire Slovakia in vocational education?

How to attract young people to crafts and technical professions? What role should companies play in vocational education? And how to ensure that the education system remains flexible and responsive to labour market needs? These questions were answered by Erik Swars, Director of International Affairs at the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET), who came to Slovakia on the occasion of the launch of a project to improve the quality of vocational education.

Swiss vocational education as an economic engine

The Swiss vocational education system is one of the best in the world and plays an important role in the local economy. “The unemployment rate in Switzerland has been low for a long time and the country is one of the most innovative in the world. This is helped by dual education, which combines theory with practice and encourages innovative thinking from a young age,” explains Swars.

Flexibility as the key to success

Most young Swiss choose to go to secondary school between the ages of 13 and 14, but the system there makes it easy for them to change their course of study if they make the wrong choice. “If a young person realises that a particular field is not for them, there are options to transfer or continue in a different direction without having to start all over again,” says Swars.

Partnership with the private sector is essential

The success of vocational education in Switzerland relies on cooperation between the public and private sectors. Companies are actively involved in curriculum development and provide students with real work experience. Although trained employees may later leave for competitors, companies see investment in training as part of the long-term stability and prosperity of the whole sector.

The Swiss model can also be an inspiration for Slovakia. Read more about this topic on the website of the State Institute of Vocational Training.