Brazil

NextStep Program: Internships for Young Professionals in Brazil

In 2023, Swissnex, together with the cantons of Vaud and Zurich and the national mobility agency Movetia, launched the NextStep Program. This international internship initiative offers graduates of the Swiss Vocational Baccalaureate the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience abroad, including placements in Brazil and other locations within the Swissnex network.

Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system equips young people with the skills needed to enter the labor market and plays a vital role in securing a steady supply of qualified professionals and future leaders.

Renowned for its strong alignment with labor market needs, the Swiss VET system is a core component of the country’s education landscape at both upper-secondary and tertiary levels. It is based on a dual approach that combines theoretical instruction with practical training. At the upper-secondary level, students split their learning between vocational schools and host companies, with some professions also including branch courses at specialized training centers. At the tertiary level, academic learning is closely integrated with participants’ professional experience, ensuring a strong connection to real-world practice.

About the interns

  • Swiss Credentials

    Interns are graduates of Switzerland’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system who hold a Swiss Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB).

  • Qualified Candidates

    Interns have at least four years of vocational work experience. Selected participants demonstrate strong professional skills and a solid command of English.

  • Professional Backgrounds

    Candidates come from a wide range of professional fields, including administration and business, technical professions, information technology, hospitality, healthcare, and applied arts.

  • Internship Duration

    Internships last between three and six months.

Benefits for companies

  • 0 1

    Participation in the program is free of charge for companies.

  • 0 2

    Interns are insured and financially supported by the program.

  • 0 3

    Host organizations benefit from the strong work ethic and practical competencies fostered through the Swiss VET system.

  • 0 4

    Companies also gain insights into Swiss and European markets and culture through the interns’ international perspective.

The Program in Numbers

  • 5 global destinations

    Participants are hosted across five countries worldwide; Brazil, India, Japan, Korea and the United States of America.

  • 29 participants

    In 2024, a diverse group of 29 VET graduates from Switzerland take part in this enriching program.

  • 17 host organizations

    From multinational companies to schools and cultural venues, our host organizations partner to provide hands-on experiences.

  • 15 professions

    From watchmaking to hospitality, participants bring expertise from diverse fields.

Meet the Swiss VET Participants in Brazil

    Through the NextStep program, Marc had the opportunity to immerse himself in a new working environment and got to know real-life business practices in a professional setting. In São Paulo, he experienced the rich Brazilian culture while using his skills to support Nestlé in the areas of information technology, innovation, and more. He completed his EFZ at Siemens Schweiz AG, where he developed his technical expertise, which he further improved and expanded through this vocational exchange. Passionate about experiencing new things, Marc benefited from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and gained valuable experiences that he will carry with him throughout his career.

    Marc Avin Federal VET Diploma at Berufsmaturitätsschule Zürich (BMS Zürich) as a specialist in Information Technology - Software Development

    Through the NextStep program, Emile sought to strengthen his language skills, immerse himself in new cultures, and develop the adaptability required to thrive in diverse professional environments. At Lindt in Brazil, Emile supported the development of Lindt's e-commerce operations in Chile by participating in website development meetings. Additionally, he contributed to the integration of e-commerce platforms, gaining valuable insights into the digital market in Latin America.

    Emile Warnery Federal VET Diploma at École Professionnelle Commerciale de Nyon (EPCN) as Commercial Employee

    Through the NextStep program, Ilias aimed to refine his language skills, embrace a new culture, and develop a global perspective for his career. At Lindt in Brazil, he was part of the Financial Growth Management team, where he expanded his skills in financial analysis, forecasting, and data management. He assisted with reporting, cost control, and performance tracking using SAP, BI, and Excel.

    Ilias Schneider Federal VET Diploma at Kaufmännische Berufsschule as Commercial Employee

    Through the NextStep program, Jayleen was passionate about working in diverse environments, and she aimed to refine her language skills and adapt to different professional cultures. At Nestlé in Brazil, she worked in the Innovation Area, supporting platform development, process optimization, and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance innovation. With a background in business IT, she completed her CFC at a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, where she developed both technical expertise and strong interpersonal values. Passionate about working in diverse environments, Jayleen was eager to refine her language skills and adapt to different professional cultures. Her time in Brazil was a crucial step toward her goal of working for a Swiss company abroad, where her adaptability, dedication, and global perspective would be key assets.

    Jayleen Curty Federal VET Diploma at École Professionnelle Commerciale de Lausanne (EPCL) as a specialist in Information Technology – Platform Development

    Through the NextStep program, Sarah sought to improve her language proficiency, enhance her professional skills, and immerse herself in Brazilian culture. At Atlas Schindler in Brazil, she worked in the Digital Service Management area, helping drive the digitalization of the elevator and escalator market. She supported marketing strategies that fostered innovation and created competitive advantages.

    Sarah Riedi Federal VET Diploma at Kaufmännische Berufsschule as Commercial Employee

    Through the NextStep program, Yaroslav was eager to expand his international experience, enhance his operational expertise, and immerse himself in a new culture. At Atlas Schindler in Brazil, he contributed to logistics and process optimization in the Fulfillment area. His work included improving efficiency, supporting logistics implementations, and developing tools for process control and field operations.

    Yaroslav Sarad Federal VET Diploma at Kaufmännische Berufsschule as Commercial Employee

Discover participants' experiences:

  •

    Marc Avin | Intern at Nestlé

    Through his photographic lens, Marc explores the city of São Paulo and discovers new horizons, not only for his career but also for his personal growth. In this Instagram post, he shares how his time in the largest city in the Americas, as well as his experience with Nestlé’s Latin America Innovation team, expanded his possibilities for the future.

    Read more

  • Yaroslav Sarad and Sarah Riedi | Interns at Atlas Schindler

    Through the recording of a pilot podcast episode, Sarah and Yaroslav reflect on their time as Vocational Education and Training (VET) NextStep interns at Atlas Schindler in Brazil. They talk about adapting to a new professional environment, navigating practical challenges, and the valuable lessons they gained throughout this international experience.

    WATCH IT

  • Ilias Schneider | Intern at Lindt

    In this video, Ilias documents a typical workday as an intern on the Financial & Growth team at the world-renowned Swiss chocolatier Lindt. From starting his day with coffee and fresh fruit to supporting his team with daily tasks, he shares a glimpse into his experience as part of the NextStep program in Brazil.

    WATCH IT

Latest News

Partners

  • Canton de Vaud
  • Canton de Zurich
  • Movetia
  • VPET
  • Swissnex

Supporters

  • Nestle
  • Atlas
  • Lindt

Contact

Larissa Hess

Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff at Swissnex in Brazil, Larissa Hess provides strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring the alignment of the organization’s initiatives with its mission to foster innovation and collaboration between Switzerland and Brazil.