Basic vocational training and higher vocational training
Basic vocational education and higher vocational education play a key role in the Swiss economy. The B Lab Switzerland Foundation supports organisations in integrating sustainability skills into their vocational qualifications.
Anchoring sustainability in basic vocational education and higher vocational education and training qualifications
The skills required in basic and higher vocational education and training are constantly evolving, and expectations regarding the positive environmental and social impact of professions are increasing. To address the growing importance of sustainability, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) launched the "Sustainable development in vocational education and training and continuing education" funding priority in October 2023. The aim of this programme is to encourage and support partners and stakeholders in the field of vocational and continuing education and training to exploit their potential for sustainability.
For the "Environment" dimension, SERI works closely with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) as part of the professional development process. With regard to the "economy" and "society" dimensions of sustainability, the B Lab Switzerland Foundation will - among other things - support professional organisations in integrating sustainability aspects into their curricula and other relevant documents. By integrating sustainability, we can prepare the professionals of tomorrow to meet the challenges of sustainability and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.
By awarding a financial contribution, SERI helps the organisations responsible for basic vocational education and higher vocational education and training to carry out an accompanied sustainability analysis, promote exchanges between experts and integrate sustainable development into their vocational qualifications. All dimensions of sustainable development are taken into account both in the analysis and in the development or further development of the training regulations.
Details of the new programme can be found on the SERI website.
Contacts: Caroline Fourré, B Lab Switzerland Co-Director Engagement Programs and Laura Perret, B Lab Switzerland Advisory Board member