NextStep

Internships for Swiss graduates in Japan

NextStep is a pilot project that helps young graduates of Swiss vocational and educational training (VET) carry out internships abroad, lasting 3 to 12 months.

Credit: Pierre Fantys

In short

NextStep, supported by Swissnex in Japan, offers Japan-based companies the opportunity to benefit from the unique skills and talent that Swiss vocational education and training (VET) graduates bring to the table. The program is designed to place young Swiss graduates into internships abroad. Participating companies will benefit not just from the individual competence and work ethics intensively fostered at Swiss VET institutions but also from insights into the Swiss and European market and culture. This program is an initiative from Canton de Vaud and Kanton Zurich, supported by Swiss mobility agency Movetia.

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    Interns will be VET graduates with a Swiss federal vocational baccalaureate (FVB).

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    Interns will be around 20 years old, and have at least 4 years of vocational work experience.

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    Internships will 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 will be health 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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    The first round of internships is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024.

Interested? Reach out to become a partner company!

Credit: Pierre Fantys

In your first email, please include as much of the following information as possible in order to help us evaluate your interest and compatibility with the NextStep program. We look forward to receiving your email and discussing the potential for a fruitful partnership.

  • 01 Your company's name, industry, and location in Japan.
  • 02 Your reason for interest in the NextStep program, including what types of roles you envision the interns could fill.
  • 03 The japanese language level you require of potential interns.
  • 04 The length of the internship you would be ready to offer.

Partners of the VET Program