Insights from Swiss Apprenticeship Models Adapted for the US and Beyond

The recent webinar we hosted offered a deep dive into how Swiss apprenticeship models can be adapted to meet the workforce needs of businesses in the US and abroad.

With a keynote from Olivia Gachoud, Head of the Science & Technology Office at the Embassy of Switzerland in the US, and a panel of experts from leading companies, Bühler and UBS, the session explored the power of apprenticeships in bridging skills gaps and nurturing talent in diverse industries.

Keynote: Adapting Swiss Apprenticeships to US Industry Needs

Olivia Gachoud’s keynote set the tone by emphasizing the strength of Switzerland’s vocational education system, particularly in its adaptability to different markets and industries. She highlighted how Swiss companies have developed a robust culture of apprenticeship, not only to train young people but to meet the evolving needs of industry. As sectors across the globe face a critical talent shortage, the Swiss model offers a proven template for how apprenticeships can be used to address skills gaps and drive innovation, while fostering career pathways for young people in modern, tech-driven industries.

Ms Gachoud also discussed the importance of collaboration between businesses and educational institutions to ensure that apprenticeship programs remain dynamic and responsive to changing economic landscapes.

Panel Discussion: Corporate Insights from Bühler and UBS

Moderated by GAN Global’s Executive Director, Kathryn Rowan, the panel featured insights from both industry leaders and apprentices who are currently engaged in Swiss-modelled programs. Patrick Bolt, the Apprentice Academy Manager at Bühler Inc., shared how his company has successfully transferred Swiss practices to its US operations, particularly within the manufacturing sector. He underscored the importance of hands-on, technical training that apprentices receive, equipping them with real-world skills that drive both individual and company growth.

Rebecca Kellogg, Global Head of UBS’s Junior Talent Center of Excellence, elaborated on how UBS has integrated the Swiss apprenticeship framework into its global workforce development strategy. She discussed UBS’s commitment to creating sustainable pipelines of junior talent, particularly through customized apprenticeship pathways that align with the financial sector’s needs.

The highlight of the panel came from the apprentices themselves. Jaiden Garland, a Mechatronics Technician Apprentice at Bühler Inc., spoke about the tangible benefits of his apprenticeship experience, emphasizing how practical, on-the-job learning helped him gain technical expertise. A Commercial Banking Apprentice and a Mediamatician Apprentice from UBS shared their experiences navigating the apprenticeship program within the financial sector, which has enabled them to gain critical business skills while working closely with industry professionals.

Key Takeaways for Businesses and Apprentices

The discussions made it clear that the Swiss model offers a versatile and scalable approach to workforce development that can be adapted across borders. For businesses, apprenticeships are a strategic investment in the future of their workforce. Apprentices, in turn, gain the skills and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of their industries, whether in finance, manufacturing, or beyond.

The panel also highlighted the need for strong partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers to build programs that are responsive to industry needs and aligned with local economic priorities.

Overall, the challenges of apprenticeship adoption in non-traditional sectors and the ways businesses can overcome obstacles to implementation, underscored the importance of flexibility and innovation when introducing Swiss-style apprenticeships into new contexts. This webinar reinforced the value of apprenticeships in addressing workforce challenges and highlighted how global apprenticeship models, like Switzerland’s, can offer practical solutions for industries across the US and other parts of the world.