Experts from the energy and mechanical engineering sectors exchange experiences in Switzerland

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From 19 to 22 May, Latvian sector experts travelled to Switzerland to gain an in-depth understanding of how industry-based learning is implemented in the energy and mechanical engineering fields. The visit was organised within the framework of the project “Development of Industry-Based Vocational Education” implemented by the State Education Development Agency of the Republic of Latvia (VIAA).

Representatives of the energy sector explored the Swiss dual education system from multiple perspectives, visiting an inter-company training centre and a vocational education institution, as well as companies of varying scale: the large manufacturing enterprise Dätwyler Switzerland AG, the electrical installation company Elektro Nauer AG, and the regional energy supplier Energie Uri. The visit concluded with a meeting with EIT.swiss, the Swiss electrotechnical industry association representing employers and responsible for developing vocational education content in the sector. Through this broad exposure, experts gained practical insight into how learning content is developed in collaboration with industry, how qualification assessments are conducted, what role digital tools play in the learning process, and, most importantly, how companies are actively involved in preparing future specialists on a day-to-day basis.

The mechanical engineering sector experts, in turn, visited the Winterthur Vocational Training School, the companies Mobilcity Bern, AMAG Bern, and Liebherr AG, as well as the sector association and inter-company training centre AM Suisse.

The visit provided a comprehensive opportunity to observe first-hand the foundations of the Swiss dual education system: the active engagement of professional associations and companies in ensuring up-to-date learning content, the organisation of inter-company courses, and the well-structured conduct of qualification procedures. Latvian representatives had the opportunity to see and discuss the teaching and examination processes with school directors, educators, company representatives, mentors, and students themselves.

The experience gained by representatives from both sectors confirms that the success of Swiss vocational education rests on a high level of public awareness of the value of this type of education, as well as close, well-functioning tripartite cooperation between companies, schools, and sector associations.

This exchange of experience is a significant step that provides a valuable foundation for assessing how proven, practice-based Swiss solutions can be adapted to meet Latvia’s needs in the energy and mechanical engineering sectors. The insights gained will help shape an approach to vocational education development in Latvia, promoting the introduction of sustainable, industry-based learning models that are aligned with labour market demands.