From 20 to 23 October, representatives of Latvian companies from the agriculture, hospitality and energy sectors, vocational education institutions and public authorities took part in a study visit to Switzerland to learn about the Swiss vocational education and training (VET) system and the role of companies in preparing future skilled professionals. The visit was organised as part of the Swiss-Latvian Cooperation project “Development of Industry-Based Vocational Education”.
The Swiss vocational education and training system is built on close cooperation between the government, industry associations, companies and educational institutions. Companies not only provide practical training but also contribute to curriculum development and the assessment of professional skills. This approach helps ensure that graduates acquire the knowledge and skills required by the labour market.
“The study visit once again demonstrated that the success of the Swiss vocational education system is based on a very clear division of roles and responsibilities among all stakeholders, as well as close and purposeful cooperation between the government, educational institutions and companies. It was particularly valuable to hear what motivates companies to participate in apprenticeship training. Their motivation goes beyond the practical need to secure a future workforce. It also reflects a commitment to strengthening the reputation of their industry, fulfilling social responsibilities and making long-term investments in the development of human capital, both within their own companies and across the sector. The insights gained during the visit will be valuable as we continue to develop and implement industry-based vocational education in Latvia,” said Ingus Zitmanis, Director of the Department of Vocational and Adult Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia.
During the visit, the delegation visited the Continental Park Luzern hotel, the Vocational Education and Training Centre for Industry and Crafts in Zug (Gewerblich-industrielles Bildungszentrum Zug, GIBZ), the Vocational Education and Training Centre for Nature and Nutrition (Berufsbildungszentrum Natur und Ernährung, BBZN), the training centre of energy company CKW, and the horticultural company Hodel und Partner Gartenbau.
The visits provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the organisation of vocational training and cooperation between companies and educational institutions. Particular interest was shown in the significant proportion of practical training within the Swiss system. Under Swiss vocational education models, students typically spend an average of one day per week at a vocational school, while the rest of their time is spent gaining hands-on experience and developing professional skills in a company. The delegation also learned about the work of industry examination centres and the standardised approach to assessing professional skills.
Egija Boka-Beķere, Member of the Management Board of Ltd. “Ogres piens”, highlighted the importance of employer involvement: “The value of the Swiss approach lies not only in providing apprenticeship placements but also in the active participation and shared responsibility of companies in training future professionals. Employers have the opportunity to provide recommendations and contribute to curriculum development, helping to define the knowledge and skills required for specific occupations. This approach should also be strengthened in Latvia, including in the agricultural sector, by placing greater emphasis on practical training and gaining real work experience in companies, while encouraging young people to choose and pursue vocational qualifications.”
The experience gained during the study visit and the contacts established with Swiss partners provided valuable insights into opportunities for improving vocational education in Latvia. The cooperation models and examples of practical training observed in Switzerland will support the development and piloting of an industry-based vocational education approach adapted to Latvia's needs.
About the Programme
The project “Development of Industry-Based Vocational Education” is implemented within the framework of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme. The Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia serves as the Programme Operator, while the State Education Development Agency is responsible for project implementation. The Programme is implemented with the support of the Swiss Government.
For more information about the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme, please visit: https://swiss-contribution.lv
