Transformation is challenging – but also exciting

Transformation: this keyword sums up the 2021 reporting year of the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET). Transformation means change and renewal. SFUVET has experienced both simultaneously. This is most clearly illustrated by its new name. Since 1 August 2021, the 'U' stands for university instead of the previous 'I' for institute. However, merely changing our name is not enough; higher education status comes with certain obligations and we as an institution need to provide corresponding content. It is essential that SFUVET remain true to its commitment to VPET actors while at the same time build bridges between higher education and vocational education and training.

The SFUVET Board therefore worked intensively on the strategic guidelines for 2021–2028 and adopted these after internal and external consultation. The new guidelines enable SFUVET to position itself clearly in the national and international education landscape and to act in a goal-oriented manner in the interests of both VPET actors and the Swiss higher education sector. The next important milestone on our path should be reached in 2022: institutional accreditation as a university of teacher education. SFUVET submitted its self-evaluation report to the Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance and has thus entered the final stage of this process.

Organisational changes and developments were also driven forward in 2021 with the launch of the 'Lifelong Learning' project. The aim is to merge the SFUVET’s Basic Training Division and its Continuing Training Division. The SFUVET Board’s timetable for completion of this project is 1 August 2023. The restructuring of the Centre for the Development of Occupations was completed on 1 January 2022. The new structure will simplify decision-making and communication processes. Our clients will benefit from this.

With the transition to higher education status, the SFUVET Board had to amend several of its internal regulations – including, for instance, the personnel regulation – to enable the transfer of funds from SFUVET’s own occupational pension fund to the PUBLICA occupational pension fund, which is managed by the Federal Administration. The fees schedule is also new and will go into effect in the 2022/23 academic year. This change will bring our fees into line with those typically charged within the higher education sector, as required by the Federal Council. Finally, the study and disciplinary regulations were adapted to reflect SFUVET’s new status.
 

Transformation is challenging – but also exciting. On behalf of the SFUVET Board, I would like to thank everyone involved in this ongoing process for their contribution to creating Switzerland’s only federal university of teacher education. Together we are advancing vocational education and training at both national and international level.

Adrian Wüthrich
SFUVET Board Chairman