Switzerland and USA sign new agreement on vocational education and training
Published: Thursday, Oct 24th 2024, 08:00
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Switzerland and the USA are intensifying their cooperation in vocational education and training. Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin signed a new declaration of intent in the US capital Washington. It aims to further promote contacts and partnerships between companies and other players in vocational education and training.
The two countries have been working together explicitly on vocational education and training since 2015, as announced by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research on Thursday. This is a "win-win perspective", Parmelin told Swiss Radio and Television (SRF). The USA is dependent on a very well-trained workforce, and it is also important for Swiss industrial companies in the USA to have good personnel.
According to the Confederation, the "NextStep" program for young graduates of the Swiss vocational baccalaureate was also presented during the signing ceremony. This offers them work placements abroad for a period of three to twelve months. It was initiated by the cantons of Zurich and Vaud, among others.
The Confederation assessed the cooperation with the USA in vocational education and training to date as positive. Several US states have launched initiatives based on the Swiss model to promote vocational education and training. In addition, the apprenticeships offered by Swiss companies in the USA would make a significant contribution to raising awareness of the Swiss vocational training model in the USA.
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