Over 100 years experience Distinctive features of the Swiss vocational training system

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2 Contents Help with human resources Introduction Over 100 years experience Distinctive features of the Swiss vocational training system Apprenticeship in short Geneva s educational system: introduction and overview compulsory schooling post-compulsory schooling initial training maturité professionnelle higher vocational training The vocational training partners Who does what? How to become a training company Obtaining a permit to provide training Contents Frequently asked questions FAQ on recruitment and training of trainees The training contract Legal principles and conditions How much does a trainee cost? Monitoring of trainees Useful documents and Internet sites How to contact us and where to find us List of vocational training courses available in Geneva By category 1

3 Help with human resources Help with human resources Your company or organization which is located in the Geneva area, is aware of the value and importance of human resources. In many fields, one needs to rely on a skilled and well-trained workforce. Are the skills which correspond to your needs easy to find? Perhaps not. Needs vary from one field to another. That is the reason we want to show you what the Swiss vocational training system has to offer. This tried and tested system has many benefits and will ensure that you contribute to training a qualified local workforce. By providing apprenticeship today you are training young people who will very rapidly become well-functioning members of the work force. Tomorrow, they will be able to meet your specific requirements and will have learned to work effectively in your corporate culture. You will also benefit from the skills of motivated young people within your company or organization. You will have the opportunity to ensure that your future employees are thoroughly trained and well-prepared to work for you. Business plays an essential role in training. This is precisely what makes vocational training in Switzerland so strong: it adapts well to the requirements of the labour market, and helps general and specific teaching to interact with practical experience in companies, while at the same time training young people in technological innovations. You have much to offer young people: your spirit of openness, your multicultural environment and the wide range of jobs you provide. By taking an active role in creating a training environment, you are also contributing to improving the prospects for training in Geneva and you are promoting your company to young people. By developing real partnerships you are strengthening the ties between your company or your organization and other business partners in Geneva. It is not always easy to grasp the specific character of the various branches of training available in Switzerland and in 2

4 Geneva. Nor is it easy to compare them to those educational systems with which you are most familiar. That is why this bilingual brochure outlines the benefits and distinctive features of vocational training in Geneva, as well as providing an overview of the educational system in Geneva and Switzerland. It provides you with information on how to become a training company and on the formalities involved. Training Counselors at the Geneva branch of the Office d orientation et de formation professionnelle (OOFP), a career guidance and vocational training state agency, can also provide you with personalized information and advice. They will assist you in setting up training programs, in collaboration with other partners, within your company. «The most appropriate choice» Daniel Ayglon, Head of the polymer testing and analysis laboratory, at the European Technical Centre of Du Pont de Nemours International, in Geneva: «We started training physics laboratory technicians six years ago. We needed people trained in a fairly wide range of laboratory techniques. We were unable to find them on the Swiss market; only from France, after lengthy work permit procedures. So we decided to take on some young trainees. It seemed the most appropriate choice for our needs, as training physics laboratory technicians covers most of our positions. Our thinking was that if we made the right choices at the start, we would, after four years, end up with technicians with a thorough grounding in our techniques and an in-depth knowledge of our products, working methods and corporate culture. We thought that if neccessary, we could offer them jobs after their training. And in fact we did offer our trainees jobs. Four years of training gave us a clear picture of their capacities.» Help with human resources 3

5 Over 100 years experience Over 100 years experience In many countries, after compulsory education, young people have only two options: to go directly and without qualifications into the job market, or to continue their studies in institutions of higher education which are poorly adapted to direct vocational integration. Most industrialized countries - for example Norway, France and the United States- are characterized by training systems in which young people receive their education in a school environment. In many instances, the emphasis is on general education, to the detriment of practical and technological training. Such models use curricula which have few direct links with learning a profession, occupation or trade, and fail to provide the skills which are most needed from the point of view of the economy. Aware of the need for improving their system, countries have taken various steps to bridge the gap between vocational schools and companies, to highlight the role of businesses as both a place of practical and social learning, and to include them in the training process. In the United States, for example, much work has been done to improve the image of in-company training, still too frequently reserved for those who have not succeeded in the regular school system. France, wishing to remedy a lack of specific preparation for some professions, occupations and trades, has for some years, implemented a dual system of vocational training. These thoughts serve to further highlight the strength of the Swiss experience in training with high levels of private sector involvement. Switzerland embarked on this system over hundred years ago and it has now become a tradition. It offers many possibilities of in-company training and facilitates the transition from school to the work world. Vocational training permanently adapts to socio-economic and technological change. The close involvement of the business sector in training systems provides many benefits. 4

6 Two thirds of young people in training In many ways, the Swiss system closely resembles those operating in Germany and Austria. Switzerland s dual system of vocational training provides the principal means of obtaining professional qualifications. Two thirds of Swiss young people choose this track after compulsory education. Consequently, vocational training is fostered by both the economy and the public authorities. The federal diploma (Certificat fédéral de capacité), awarded at the end of the training period is a widely-recognized qualification throughout the country. Today, apprenticeships lead to a vocational training qualification. By means of a professional baccalaureate (maturité professionnelle) awarded during or after an apprenticeship, it is possible to have access to the Universities of Applied Sciences (Hautes Ecoles Spécialisées), which offer university-level courses, but with teaching focused on a hands-on approach and applied research. In this way, vocational training can provide highlyqualified specialists. Over 100 years experience 5

7 Over 100 years experience Apprenticeship in short Apprenticeships are designed for young people of fifteen years of age minimum who have completed nine years of compulsory education. the dual system of apprenticeship is principally based on: - proficiency in the practical know-how that a trainee gains in a company (3 to 4 days per week) - theoretical training in a vocational school (1 to 2 days per week), throughout the apprenticeship. An apprenticeship lasts from 3 to 4 years, depending on which course is taken. It leads to a federal diploma, called Certificat fédéral de capacité (CFC), a schoolleaving certificate, recognized throughout Switzerland. In some instances, the trainee employed by a company benefits from practical training courses in his occupational field. These introductory courses, also known as cours d introduction or cours interentreprises, are organized by professional associations, last for several weeks (to as much as a year), and are held during the first year of the apprenticeship. The trainee then returns to the company, with basic practical know-how. These courses can also be held over several weeks during the last years of the apprenticeship. Over one hundred professions, occupations and trades In Geneva, more than 120 apprenticeships are available (out of some 260 in Switzerland) in all sectors, such as in the food, craft, applied arts, banking and insurance, building, chemicals, commerce, electricity, electronics, watch-making, information technology, engineering, hotel and restaurant, sales or health care sectors. For example: office workers, shop workers, draftsmen-surveyors and draughtswomensurveyors, physics, biology or chemistry laboratory technicians, logistics managers, electronic technicians, computer specialists, automation experts, polymechanics, hotel assistants, chefs, wine waiters, salespersons, sales managers. Geneva, where the service sector is predominant, has more than 40% of incompany trainees in the commerce and sales sectors. (see list of training courses available, page 52) 6

8 Geneva s educational system The educational system includes compulsory schooling. It then branches into vocational training, whose purpose is to provide the practical skills to carry out an occupation (whether training takes place at a school, or dual/mixed, school/company), and into the essentially theoretical teaching involved in higher education. Swiss vocational training offers a wide variety of specializations and leads to high-level qualifications. In Switzerland, initial training followed by higher vocational training is the equivalent of a High School/University track (with specific character). Due to its federal structure, the Swiss educational system resembles a mosaic with more or less autonomous parts. In the field of education and schooling, each canton is sovereign in as much as it undertakes to achieve general objectives established at federal level. The Swiss Confederation plays a surveillance role. It ensures that quality education is provided in the schools of each canton. Vocational training does not operate in the same manner. It is governed by a federal law: the law on vocational training. The canton of Geneva, like the other cantons, is obliged to implement this law and guarantee the quality of vocational training. In Geneva, this mission is the duty of the Office d orientation et de formation professionnelle (OOFP). The cantonal education authorities (Département de l instruction publique) are responsible for the canton s vocational school system. Geneva s educational system 7

9 Geneva s educational system 8

10 Compulsory education Compulsory education comprises nine years of education for 6 to 15-year olds. Two years of optional education are offered to children from the ages of 4 to 6 (pre-primary school). This is followed by 6 years of compulsory education, known as primary schooling (from the age of 6). In Geneva, German is taught from the third year of primary school. The last three years (years 7-9) of compulsory education are part of cantonal schools called, Cycles d orientation, within the context of secondary education at level 1 (or secondary 1). Particular emphasis is placed on teaching languages. English and German are taught as compulsory subjects for three years. Additionally, general computing skills are taught from primary school onwards and continue throughout the Cycle d orientation. In many instances, young people pursue a 10 th intermediary year of schooling, before going into vocational training and deciding on which field to train in. This year allows them to develop personal projects and to deepen their general knowledge. Post-compulsory education After compulsory education, approximately 95% of young men and 90% of young women go into training: Nearly 40% of young people in Geneva attend a secondary school or Collège (near-equivalent of High School or Sixth-form College). The awarding of the federal diploma called maturité (near-equivalent of a baccalaureate or A levels) gives direct access to University entrance or to Federal Institutes of Technology. As in other Swiss cantons, a Collège is called a Gymnase, this diploma is commonly known as maturité gymnasiale. Geneva s educational system 9

11 Geneva s educational system Approximately one quarter of young people attend other schools on a full-time basis. The Ecoles de culture générale (ECG) and Ecoles de commerce award a diploma different from the maturité. These training paths fall between the maturités gymnasiale and professionnelle paths (University-level entrance qualifications, vocational or otherwise). The Ecoles de culture générale prepare students for higher education courses and careers in the field of social-related affairs, healthcare, communication and the arts. The Ecoles de commerce open doors to the world of business. The diploma awarded by the Ecoles de commerce is the equivalent of the CFC. Other technical schools (Ecoles d enseignement technique) provide technical and scientific training. This leads to a technical baccalaureate, which gives access to study at the Universities of Applied Sciences (Hautes Ecoles Spécialisées). Approximately one third of young people in Geneva that is much less than the national average (approximately two thirds) go into vocational training. This may take place in full-time vocational education. But in the vast majority of cases (over 80% of the total), this takes the form of sandwich courses, namely by means of a «dual system» of training in companies and schools. Geneva, in common with eight other Swiss cities, has a University divided into seven faculties. For its part, the Swiss Confederation has two university institutions: the Federal Institutes of Technology (Ecoles Polytechniques fédérales) in Lausanne and in Zurich. Initial Training 10 Vocational training is a good example of partnership between the Confederation, the cantons, companies and professional associations. Apprenticeships are the central element of this training stream. They can take place directly in enterprises, in the private or public sector, (with weekly lessons grouped over 1 or 2 days, or on a full-time

12 basis in vocational schools (near-equivalent of technical colleges). For each profession, there exist a set of training regulations. This official document, which applies throughout the country, is a fundamental in instrument training. It sets out precisely the fields of employment for each occupation and defines the objectives of the training course for each year. The regulations also contain the curricula for courses taught at vocational schools and explanations on the examination procedures at the end of the training period. 1) The dual system of vocational training (also kown as «en alternance» or sandwich courses) involves companies directly. It is based on three pillars: The company offers trainees an ideal environment for acquiring and putting into practice an occupation, profession or trade. The vocational school, where the trainee has 1 to 2 days of lessons per week depending on the course, teaches the theoretical fundamentals of the chosen occupation and general knowledge. Classes are organized by occupation and by year of training. Practical training courses organized by professional associations, at the start of the training period, give classes in basic working techniques, which individual companies are unable to provide. These classes are taught for many occupations. Basic training provided by vocational schools and in practical courses reduces companies training costs. Geneva s educational system Your trainee will attend in-company training 3 to 4 days per week. If your trainee is also preparing a professional baccalaureate during his or her apprenticeship, s/he will attend an additional half day of classes at the vocational school. In some instances, during the first year, your trainee will attend several weeks full-time practical classes before starting in-company training. These classes may take place more than once and only for a few weeks, during the later years of training. 11

13 Geneva s educational system 2) Full-time vocational training in a school. Vocational schools offer practical training in their own workshops (under the supervision of training officers) as well as theoretical classes. The vocational training by dual system, or entirely at vocational school, lasts 3 or 4 years. At the end of the training period, the trainee sits an examination on both the theoretical and practical aspects of the occupation, as well as on general knowledge. If the examination is passed, the trainee receives a diploma called, Certificat fédéral de capacité (CFC), recognized throughout Switzerland. This diploma certifies practical know-how and is an important qualification on the job market. For young people who are not able to finish vocational training, the law provides a shorter training course, available in a certain number of specialities. This course consists of vocational training adapted to the capacities of the individual. Two years in length, its aim is to train a qualified workforce, with hands-on, practical skills in a given occupation. The professional baccalaureate (maturité professionnelle) An in-company trainee has the possibility of preparing the professional baccalaureate during or after the training period. Several options are offered: technical, commercial, arts, trades and natural sciences option. This federal diploma is a very attractive solution for trainees who wish to pursue higher vocational training. Created in response to the needs of the market, and developed to fit in well with the plans for European countries, this academic path provides a solid foundation in general knowledge. The professional baccalaureate directly leads to (no examinations required) the University of Applied Sciences (HES). 12

14 To be awarded a professional baccalaureate one of the following criteria must be met: This training course can be combined with an apprenticeship, with greater focus on theory («maturité professionnelle, intra-cfc»). After receiving a «certificat fédéral de capacité (CFC)», the student can pursue a further year of general knowledge studies in school on a full-time basis («maturité professionnelle, post-cfc»). Higher-level vocational training (formation professionnelle supérieure) Vocational training offers the possibility of gaining access to higher-education level training courses. These are available in non-university institutes of technology with high standards of admission requirements and academic qualifications, which provide technical training (technicians) in the building, electronics, information technology and other sectors. In other countries, these schools would be categorized as universities (or polytechnics). A further option is provided by a system of intermediary and higher-level vocational examinations (examens professionnels moyens et supérieurs), organized by professional associations with the approval of federal authorities. These lead to the types of federal certificates and diplomas (brevets et diplômes fédéraux), widely-recognized and appreciated by the Swiss economy. Geneva s educational system The higher-level training of the Universities of Applied Sciences (Hautes Ecoles Spécialisées) is the equivalent to university. The distinctive feature of the HES lies in the fact that their three or four-year courses focus on teaching practical skills and applied research. The course of study involves the close partnerships with private enterprises, framed within many research and development projects with tangible benefits and direct applications for the partners activities. 13

15 Geneva s educational system Glossary The Universities of Applied Sciences (HES) are comparable to similar institutions in Germany, Austria or the Netherlands. The diplomas awarded, in terms of the UK and US systems, are similar to a Bachelor s Degree. In Geneva, the HES specialize in the following sectors: technology and architecture social affairs and healthcare business and services applied arts and fine arts natural sciences By way of example, the HES award diplomas to architects, interior designers, business economists, physiotherapists, nurses, social workers, computer engineers, agricultural engineers, applied physics engineers, etc. Baccalauréat: see Maturité gymnasiale Certificat fédéral de capacité (CFC): federal certificate awarded on completion of the theoretical and practical training of an apprenticeship, in companies and in vocational schools, or exclusively in such schools. This is a postcompulsory education training course (in Geneva: 6 years of primary school, 3 years of secondary school education). Maturité gymnasiale: federal certificate awarded at the end of 4 years of post-compulsory education, in a higher-level secondary school (collège). This certificate grants access to Universities or to Federal Institutes of Technology (Ecoles polytechniques fédérales). Maturité professionnelle: federal certificate generally awarded at the end of vocational training by means of two main paths: Through a basic training course by increasing the length of the general education (intra-cfc). The student receives both a CFC and a certificat de maturité professionnelle. Through a further year of full-time study after the training course (post-cfc) This certificate gives direct access to the Universities of Applied Sciences (Hautes Ecoles Spécialisées/HES) in the chosen field. 14

16 Vocational training partners Your training company can count on reliable partners to ensure your training needs are met. All partners work together in a network, so as to ensure optimal monitoring of young people s training, by applying the various complementary skills they have at their disposal. Throughout the training course, the partners comply with the règlement d apprentissage (training regulations)(see page 11 and 20). Training course leaders (maîtres d apprentissage or formateurs) Their job is to «coach» the trainee. Within the company, they are in charge of training young people throughout their stay. They draw up the training plan and ensure that it remains in line with the training regulations. They guide the trainee in their choices and coordinate with the vocational training partners. They are also ensure the quality and reliability of the trainee s placement and work environment. Training Counselors (conseillers en formation) They work within the vocational training department of OOFP, which is the official agency in charge of the course s quality and performance. This is the cantonal body whose responsibilities include issuing training permits to companies (see next page). Training counselors accompany the trainee from the beginning to the end of their course. They assist companies, in setting up a quality training place, in monitoring the trainee s development and in solving common problems which may arise in the course of training. They are experts in a chosen field of employment or sector. (see page 25) Vocational school teachers They give classes to the trainees in vocational schools (Ecoles professionnelles), one or two days per week depending on the type of training. What is special about these teachers is that they have both a teaching and occupational background, with many years experience of the practical skills of working life behind them. Vocational training partners 15

17 Vocational training partners The commissaires d apprentissage (members of the training board) These people are members of a training board, called commission d apprentissage, which in some ways is a type of «training assembly». These boards are composed of employers and trade union representatives, appointed for four years by the State, on recommendations from professional associations. By and large, there is a board for each regulated occupational group. Their role is to ensure the smooth running of training. The training board members work in close collaboration with training counselors at OOFP. They monitor the quality of incompany training. They advise the trainee in the case of problems at work. They also intervene in the event of disputes with the training course leader (le maître d apprentissage) or in the event of the training companies defaulting. The experts (a type of examiner) They are in charge of trainees examinations according to the requirements of the training regulations. They are selected from amongst the members of the chosen occupation, profession or trade and vocational school teachers. 16

18 How to become a training company The first step is to identify your needs. Particularly in which occupational field you would like to provide training. If you would like information on basic training courses which match your needs, you can contact the Office d orientation et de formation professionnelle (OOFP) which will provide you with a training counselor in charge of the occupational field in which you would like to train (see addresses page 25). There are some 120 occupations on offer in the canton of Geneva and available by means of apprenticeships (see list page 52). Obtaining a training permit For complete information, and in order to start the right procedure, ask an OOFP training counselor to come and see you. They will provide you with details on the dual system of vocational training, the practical and theoretical training curricula and the teaching program for the trainee. You will also be provided with the documents de suivi pédagogique (educational monitoring documents), the training regulations and contract. The person carrying out the training in your company will be asked to attend a briefing session. The training counselor will, together with a member of the training board, carry out an evaluation of the training capacities of your company, namely: Whether the activities of your company for which training will be provided, encompass all of the training program as set out in the training regulations of the chosen occupation. Whether your company s future trainers have the necessary professional and personal skills to train trainees. Whether the working position meets the requirements of the profession, occupation or trade (in terms of equipment and tools, sanitary, protection and safety conditions). As a vocational training partner, the training counselor will ensure that all the parties involved in training work smoothly together. How to become a training company 17

19 How to become a training company Useful information Can I still train if my company does not completely cover the scope of activities required for the training program? Yes. You can train in collaboration with other companies. Potential partnerships will be looked into with you by the training counselor from OOFP. Does the person providing the training need to have specific training? Yes. Each company will enroll its training course leader on a free training course, stipulated by the law on vocational training. This course focuses on practice and the quality of mentoring trainees. It offers four areas of expertise (partnerships, commitment, welcoming and training) and optional courses. It entails some 40 hours teaching divided into modules, which are tailored to your needs, as well as your timetable. It also takes your skills into account. In this way, a training course leader, once previous experience and qualifications have been validated, would only study the modules which s/he requires. How do I go about organizing the integration, training and monitoring of trainees in my company? You will be given concrete and useful tools during the course for training course leaders. These will provide you with answers to all of your questions. At a later date, your training counselor will provide you with assistance and advice in all circumstances. How do I recruit trainees? It is advisable to carry your recruitment of trainees at a sufficiently early stage, around the beginning of the calendar year, as the start of the academic year in Geneva (including for vocational schools) occurs at the start of September. You can recruit in the press, as well as by directly contacting the OOFP, who will list the name of your company in their online training marketplace. 18

20 The list of training places available can be found on the following website: Don t hesitate to recruit young women or young men in occupations traditionally reserved for the opposite sex. The website: lists in Geneva, as for every Swiss canton, the training companies who are specifically seeking to train young women in occupations which until now have been mainly chosen by young men. Have the young people who come to my company received any advice? Many of the young people who come to your company do so after receiving career guidance. Often, candidates have already undergone short in-company training. Furthermore, many companies and professional associations require potential trainees to sit an entrance test. In all cases, you are responsible for defining you own recruitment criteria, and to evaluate if the candidate matches your company s needs. Training counselors will give you all the advice necessary to successfully recruit trainees on a step-by-step basis. How to become a training company 19