NextStep Program Internships for Swiss VET Graduates abroad

NexStep 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 with the goal of preparing the next generation for a global workforce. 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.

In short

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Interns are VET graduates with a Swiss federal vocational baccalaureate (FVB).
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Interns have at least 4 years of vocational work experience.
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Internships last between 3 and 12 months.
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Professions cover economic, artisanal, and industrial activities (administration and business, technical professions, information technology, hospitality, healthcare, applied arts...)
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Program participation is free of charge for companies. Interns are insured and financially supported by the program.
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Selected candidates demonstrate excellent professional skills and have a firm grasp of the English language.
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Participating companies benefit from the individual competence and work ethics intensively fostered at Swiss VET institutions and from insights into the Swiss and European market and culture.

The VET Pathway

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 VET system is a core component of the Swiss education landscape, encompassing both upper-secondary and tertiary levels.

The Swiss VET system is built on a strong dual approach that integrates both theoretical and practical learning. At the upper-secondary level, this duality is reflected in the division of training across multiple learning environments: theoretical instruction is delivered at vocational schools, while practical training takes place within host companies. In certain professions, a third learning location is added—branch courses conducted at specialized training centers—to further reinforce and complement the other two. At the tertiary level, this blend continues, with classroom-based education integrated with participants’ prior and ongoing professional experience, ensuring a seamless connection between academic learning and real-world application.

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 Our 2024 Participants

Through the NextStep program, Emile seeks 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 supports the development of Lindt's e-commerce operations in Chile, participating in website development meetings. Additionally, he contributes 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 aims to refine his language skills, embrace a new culture, and build a global perspective for his career. At Lindt in Brazil, he is part of the Financial Growth Management team, where he expands his skills in financial analysis, forecasting, and data management. He assists 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 is passionate about working in diverse environments, and she aims to refine her language skills and adapt to different professional cultures. At Nestlé in Brazil, she works 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 manufacture, where she developed both technical expertise and strong interpersonal values. Passionate about working in diverse environments, Jayleen is eager to refine her language skills and adapt to different professional cultures. Her time in Brazil is a crucial step toward her goal of working for a Swiss company abroad, where her adaptability, dedication, and global perspective will 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 seeks to improve her language proficiency, enhance her professional skills, and immerse herself in Brazilian culture. At Atlas Schindler in Brazil, she works in the Digital Service Management area, helping to lead the digitalization of the elevator and escalator market. She supports marketing strategies that drive innovation and create competitive advantages.

Sarah Riedi Federal VET Diploma at Kaufmännische Berufsschule as Commercial Employee

Through the NextStep program, Yaroslav is eager to expand his international experience, enhance his operational expertise, and engage with a new culture. At Atlas Schindler in Brazil, he contributes to logistics and process optimization in the Fulfillment area. His work includes 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

Our Pilot Year - The Podcast

In this episode, Sarah and Yaroslav reflect on their time as VET NextStep interns at Atlas Schindler in Brazil. They talk about adjusting to a new professional environment, navigating practical challenges, and the valuable lessons they gained throughout this international experience.
Our Pilot Year - Intern Testimonies

In this video, our NextStep Program 2024 Interns share their journey as VET NextStep participants at Atlas Schindler in Brazil! From adapting to a different culture to tackling real-world challenges, they retrace their experiences, learnings, and insights from this unique international internship.
Our Pilot Year - Intern Testimonies

In this video, our NextStep Program 2024 Interns share their journey as VET NextStep participants at Lindt in Brazil! From adapting to a different culture to tackling real-world challenges, they retrace their experiences, learnings, and insights from this unique international internship.