Strengthening Vocational Education Through Global Partnerships

The Swiss vocational education system has long been recognized globally for its success in merging education with real-world industry experience, largely driven by a deep partnership between educational institutions and companies. This system forms the backbone of Switzerland’s skilled workforce and is a model for many countries. With the China-Switzerland White Paper on Vocational Education, Swiss companies and institutions are taking another step toward applying these principles in China, where vocational education is increasingly prioritized for economic growth and workforce development.

Background

In February 2023, SwissCham and Swissnex initiated the VPET roadshows at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education (CACIE)  in Beijing, to support Swiss companies in China by connecting them with local education experts, officials, and vocational schools. Since then, the VPET Roadshow has been to seven cities.

Swiss companies have long been using Switzerland’s VPET model to implement skills-based training programs in China building valuable partnerships and showcasing their commitment to workforce development. Now, as we return to CACIE, we’re excited to unveil the second edition of the China-Switzerland White Paper on Vocational Education, which shares insights from the roadshow and highlights opportunities for further collaboration and growth.