Editorial: The shortage of apprentices is an alarm signal for Switzerland

It is a crisis that worsens without making a lot of noise. Furthermore, But that it is a question of taking seriously. Similarly, because it gradually undermines a system which contributed to building the economic success of Switzerland: dual formation. For example, In other words, the business learning sector, this small Swiss miracle that many countries envy us – starting with France.

The problem? Therefore, Many places remain vacantyear after year. For example, Building, hotel and restoration, care or agriculture: these sectors are struggling to train the next generation, for lack of candidates. Therefore, And when they try the adventure. Therefore, too many young people abandon along the way: almost a quarter of the learning contracts are terminated prematurely. Discouragement gains bosses, who give up training apprentices. Did you say Vicious Circle?

In French -speaking Switzerland, the most affected regions are Vaud and Geneva. Or the cantons where training combining theory and practice has, statistically, the least the rating. At the end of the compulsory school. only 35% of Genevans and 45% of Vaudois opt for learning or vocational school, while the Swiss average is 65.7%. The gymnasial route is more popular, unlike what is observed on a national scale.

Competition of higher education cannot, however, explain this slump alone. First, because even the cantons where the way of learning is privileged are concerned. From Bern to Saint-Gall via Zurich, hundreds of places are still looking for takers.

Then, because yesterday’s partitions fell. Those who learn a business in business today have prospects very different from those of their elders. Professional maturity opens the editorial: shortage apprentices alarm signal doors of specialized high schools; Pasters exist to universities and polytechnic schools. Once his certificate in his pocket. a young electrician editor can very well covet an engineer place and the salary that goes with it.

So why this disenchantment for certain professions? The surveys carried out with apprentices bring out multiple causes: arduous work, irregular times, stress, mental sufferingetc. We can therefore understand the claims issued to try to revalue these initial training courses: a petition launched by. the union union requires eight weeks of vacation per year (instead of five) for all apprenticeships. History to alleviate the difference with the thirteen weeks from which gymnasians benefit.

There are undoubtedly other tracks to explore. Maybe even taboos to break. Thus. the vocational guidance offered at the end of schooling would be in efficiency if it was editorial: shortage apprentices alarm signal more focused on the needs of the labor market. By clearly tell the students what areas are lacking in arms. showing them the concrete outlets of this or that training. Dual formation is a national treasure that deserves to be pampered.

Did you find an error? Please report it to us.

18 Comments