Training for vocational trainers (100 hours)

The training course for the vocational pedagogical qualification comprises 100 learning hours. This is a relatively minor hurdle compared to the required professional qualifications and professional experience. When awarding the diploma, the focus is on the following question: “Is the person in a position to train apprentices independently and responsibly, i.e. select apprentices, provide them with technical and methodological support and guide them towards successfully achieving their qualification?”

The qualification procedure is based on evidence of practical training. This ensures the quality of in-company training. The diploma is supplemented by other offerings and tools through the cantons (QualiCarte, basic in-company training manual, educational counselling, etc.).

The training experience requirements for admission to the qualification procedure may be as follows:

Candidates must have provided full training for at least one semester, conducted a qualification interview and prepared a training report
Evidence of practical experience is provided in collaboration with the cantonal authority (e.g. teaching supervision).

Qualification process for vocational trainers

Framework requirements for structuring qualification procedures

Preparation for the qualification procedure

Candidates prepare a dossier to prove that they meet the requirements listed in QualiCarte. This applies in particular to points that directly affect their activities as a VET trainer. The points relating to the more operational requirements and tasks should be regarded as useful additions. On the basis of the dossier, candidates prepare a presentation demonstrating the key indicators in the dossier. The list of contents and the preparation guidelines can be found in the section titled “Qualification pathway guide”.

Qualification procedures

The diploma is awarded on the basis of a dossier and its presentation, which proves that the QualiCarte is known and applied systematically.

Various modalities can be used to review training practice:

Review and validation of the dossier without the candidate being present
Presentation of the dossier and interview with the candidate
Presentation of the dossier and interview with the candidate and visit to the host company

Candidates must prove that they possess the competences required in the training plan, at least to the extent that they can fulfil QualiCarte requirements and implement them in the host company.

The canton is responsible for ensuring that the vocational trainers meet the requirements that are placed on them as part of their training activities in the host company. The award of the diploma is intended to ensure that the vocational trainer implements the quality assurance measures.

Issuance of the course certificate upon discontinuation of the training course

Qualification pathway guide for vocational trainers

The quality of the training in the host company plays a key role in achieving the diploma (100 learning hours). This means that the work of vocational trainers must be assessed – i.e. measured.

Candidates need the following information and tools to prepare independently for the qualification procedure:

These tools form the basis for planning, implementing and evaluating apprenticeship training.

QualiCarte: form interactive for apprenticeship host companies [PDF, 586.74 KB]download
Basic In-Company Training Manual (In German) [PDF, 19.52 MB]download
SBBK: Curriculum for the Course for Vocational Trainers in Host Companies (40 hours) (in German) [PDF, 220.85 KB]download
SERI: Core Syllabuses for Vocational Education and Training Professionals (in German) [PDF, 1.74 MB]download

QualiCarte as a guide for the qualification procedure

QualiCarte forms an integral part of preparing for the qualification procedure. Candidates can compile a dossier based on QualiCarte and thus document the skills they have acquired as part of their training practice. In doing so, candidates are given considerable flexibility.

The QualiCarte indicators provide information on how to prepare the dossier; they also help candidates to prepare for the qualification procedure and prepare suitable supplementary information.

Implementation of the qualification procedure

List of indicators from the QualiCarte. [PDF, 75.31 KB]download
QualiCarte: manual with explanatory notes on quality requirements (in German) [PDF, 172.58 KB]download

The cantons issue the examination regulations with the educational objectives, which are reviewed as part of the qualification procedure. The course providers inform the candidates about possible assistance (e.g. contact person who can be reached by email or phone or other support measures such as special courses, one-on-one or group meetings, websites, etc.). The examination of the dossier or the implementation of the qualification procedure (interview or final examination) can be carried out by the cantonal Vocational Education and Training Office itself or entrusted to other providers (public or private schools, professional associations).

Guide to the qualification process for vocational trainers