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.

The Confederation, the cantons and professional organisations share responsibility for VPET in Switzerland. The three partners work together to maintain a high-quality system that provides opportunities for both initial and continuing training.

The Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act and the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Ordinance set out the principles governing the VPET partnership and each partner's areas of responsibility. This legislation provides a solid framework for dual-track vocational and educational and training programmes and harmonises the provision of education and training options across Switzerland. Quality management is the responsibility of all training providers. The cantons and the Confederation are responsible for monitoring quality of the areas assigned to them within the scope of their supervisory activities.

• VPET: Responsibility for quality (in german)

  PDF140.51 kB27 March 2023

VPET funding

The Confederation and the cantons, and to a large extent the private sector, contribute to the funding of the Swiss VPET system. The majority of public-sector costs are incurred by the cantons to implement vocational education and training. More information in German

VPET: a successful model

The Swiss VPET system is an asset to the Swiss economy, boosting the country’s international competitiveness as a location. VPET research supports the ongoing development and adaptation of training provision in response to new challenges.