Market-oriented skills
Innovative and competitive companies depend on highly trained specialists. These help companies to become successful in competitive markets; they also help companies to grow, create more skilled jobs, boost value creation and pay higher wages.
Globalisation, an increasing pace of innovation and digitalisation bring along major challenges for many developing countries. One of these is the availability of competent, well-trained specialists. A shortage of skilled workers prevents companies from flourishing and creating enough decent jobs. Ultimately, this also impairs the economic growth of a country.
Training and continuing education for skilled workers should be geared to the needs of businesses.
Higher vocational training
SECO is committed to ensuring that higher vocational education and training (post-secondary and tertiary levels) in partner countries imparts market-oriented specialist skills. Its focus is on the private sector, particularly its dynamic and innovative industries that are experiencing particularly strong growth. These create jobs – as long as they can find the necessary skilled labour.
Switzerland’s internationally renowned dual vocational education and training system is of great benefit. SECO helps to strengthen dialogue between the private sector, authorities and vocational schools, including through continuing education in the workplace. It also involves Swiss vocational schools and businesses in its projects.
Digitalisation, social and environmental aspects and gender equality
Digital transformation, environmentally friendly production processes and gender equality play an important role in training and continuing education. Environmentally friendly technologies are becoming increasingly important and should form part of the training, which strives for equal gender representation.