U.S. Senate takes interest in dual-track VET

Bern, 20.09.2017 – As a continuation of dialogue between Switzerland and the United States on the Swiss vocational and professional education and training system (VPET system) that the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (SFIVET) was invited to present the specificities of Swiss dual-track VET programmes at an information conference at the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C.

Senat Washington DC
SFIVET

On 19 September, the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America and the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus organised an information conference on the Swiss model of vocational education and training.

 

The event was inaugurated by a speech given by Swiss Ambassador, Martin Dahinden, who highlighted the increased dialogue between the two countries since the signing of the Declaration of Intent, aimed at strengthening cooperation. This was followed by a speech by Senator Tim Kaine, who was a candidate for the country's vice-presidency alongside Hillary Clinton, who expressed his interest and underscored the importance of cooperation between the two countries in this area.

 

Mergim Jahiu, Head of International Projects at the SFIVET, then gave a presentation of the various factors contributing to the success of the Swiss model. He also took the time to answer questions from a large number of visitors.

 

Raphael Luchs, representative of Bühler Minnesota Inc. and Isa Brady, completing his apprenticeship as a customer service engineer at the same company, shared their experiences with the learning model introduced by the Swiss company at its Minnesota subsidiary. While this training only concerns one particular occupation for the time being, it is nevertheless intended to be extended to other occupations.

 

SFIVET will continue to maintain dialogue and exchange of expertise with U.S. federal and state institutions, including during visits to Switzerland, which are scheduled for this autumn.