Vocational, Professional and Continuing Education
The Swiss system of vocational and professional education and training (VPET system) not only prepares young people for entry into the labour market, it also paves the way for the next generation of skilled workers and managers. Training is closely correlated with the needs of the labour market and formally anchored within the education system at both upper-secondary and tertiary level. Moreover, there are many different continuing education and training courses to sustain lifelong learning. These courses enable adults to gain new skills and reorient their careers if desired.
VPET system governance
For most adolescents and young adults, vocational and professional education and training (VPET) is the key to labour market integration, long-term career prospects and participation in social life. The VPET system spans upper-secondary and tertiary levels of the Swiss education system and prepares the next generation of skilled workers and managers.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
The Confederation, the Cantons and professional organisations all contribute to maintaining the high standard of vocational education and training and strive to ensure that there is an adequate number of apprenticeship positions available. Vocational education and training (VET) forms the basis for lifelong learning and serves as a gateway to numerous career opportunities.
Professional education
The professional education sector provides the skills needed to carry out professional activities that are both challenging and involve managerial responsibility, thus ensuring that qualified specialists are available on the market. The professional education and the higher education sectors are the two main pillars of Swiss tertiary education.
Continuing Education
Weiterbildung spielt für den Einzelnen, für die Gesellschaft und für die Wirtschaft eine wichtige Rolle. Die Weiterbildungsbeteiligung in der Schweiz ist hoch, die Angebotspalette breit und vielfältig. Im Jahr 2021 haben 45 Prozent der ständigen Wohnbevölkerung der Schweiz zwischen 25 und 75 Jahren mindestens eine Weiterbildung in den letzten 12 Monaten besucht.