Abstract

Challenges in the Swiss VET system

In Switzerland new legislation introduced in 2004 allows a lot more flexibility for reforming the VET system. This is important because of declining rates of youth who opt for an apprenticeship-scheme or a vocational school program. The Swiss VET system still has an outstanding reputation in Switzerland (and even abroad). All the same there can be observed a trend for participating in more academic pathways. Simultaneously, enterprises themselves have reduced their apprenticeship-programs due to economical, technological and cultural changes.

In this paper the future trends will be discussed and the perspectives or alternatives to VET will be addressed.