The Swiss education system
For a better understanding of the responsible role as a trainer of IT specialists, here is a brief overview of the Swiss education system, which is unique in the world.
In the dual education system, young people receive basic practical training in a company on the one hand and general education at a vocational school on the other.
If you want to start an apprenticeship, you must have completed compulsory education and be at least 15 years old. An apprenticeship lasts between two and four years, depending on the profession. An IT apprenticeship lasts four years.
The training consists of a theoretical part with general education and job-specific subjects at the vocational school. The practical part takes place in the training company and teaches the necessary technical skills and practical specialist know-how. The apprentices thus develop the knowledge and skills required to practise the profession in a realistic way in the field.
Thanks to subsequent further training opportunities, an apprentice can reach successively higher levels of education after completing the apprenticeship. The career paths are multiple and possible for all people who have completed an apprenticeship. The qualifications obtained in this way are equivalent to those of a university or a (technical) college.
Those who do not want to study but concentrate on their learned profession can deepen their specialist expertise at higher technical colleges. These degrees are also recognised nationally and thus improve individual career prospects.
Advantages of an apprenticeship compared to academic studies
- Learning by doing
In contrast to a university study Apprentices work on concrete projects and thus get to know the reality of the professional world.
- Prove independence and take responsibility
The apprentices are assigned real work for which they have to take responsibility. They learn to decide what needs to be done or to obtain the necessary information on their own.
- Appreciation through remuneration
The work of the apprentices is appreciated by paying them an apprentice wage. This varies in amount depending on the profession and year of training.
- Better chances on the job market and a successful career
A study ordered by the federal government has shown that young people with a vocational apprenticeship are less affected by unemployment because the vocational training is specifically tailored to the skills that are needed in the job market. Many companies support their apprentices with time and money after they have completed their vocational training to prepare them for a management position.