Back This spring, experts from Latvia’s horticulture and hospitality sectors undertook study visits to Switzerland to familiarise themselves with the industry-based vocational education and training (VET) model, examine cooperation between schools and businesses, and evaluate the potential for adapting this model in Latvia. The visits were organised within the framework of the project “Development of Industry-Based Vocational Education and Training”, implemented by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) in cooperation with its Swiss partner Hotel & Gastro formation Switzerland, the Swiss training centre for the hotel and catering industry.
The objective of the visits was to gain an in-depth understanding of the Swiss VET system, to compare it with the Latvian approach, and to identify solutions for enhancing the training and examination system. Particular attention was devoted to cooperation between educational institutions and enterprises, as well as to the organisation of inter-company courses, which in Switzerland are delivered in close cooperation with the cantons (local authorities). During the visits, the experts met with representatives of Jardin Suisse, the Swiss national association of gardeners and horticultural enterprises, and visited a number of companies and VET institutions.
“The values underpinning the Swiss approach and its programmes can also be incorporated into our own practice; however, an essential precondition is providing students with the opportunity to experience work within a company without a contract or any obligations on the part of the employer. This is precisely how young people in Switzerland determine whether to pursue a particular educational and professional path,” emphasises Laura Podgurska, representative of the Latvian Restaurant Association.
Anete Jekuma, manager of the project component, adds: “By engaging in the education and practical training of young people, companies can prepare the specialists they need in a timely manner and reduce the need for extensive recruitment processes.”
Swiss VET is built upon the interaction between the educational institution, the enterprise, and inter-company courses. In inter-company courses, learners acquire practical skills in specialised centres of uniform quality, organised by industry associations.
The experience gained during the visits has provided a clearer perspective on the possibilities for introducing inter-company courses, refining training materials and curricula, and fostering effective cooperation between enterprises and educational institutions. The insights gained will be applied to the further development of industry-based VET and qualification assessment models in Latvia, strengthening cooperation between enterprises, educational institutions, and industry associations.
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