Strengthening the practice-oriented higher education in the heart of Europe
Written by Jonas Gysin, President of EurEta-CH
Switzerland is regarded in Europe as an island of prosperity in which the economy is flourishing like in no other country in Europe. One of the main reasons for this is the relatively strong expansion of practice-oriented higher education. The colleges of higer education, who are part of this educational level, provide with their graduates the practice-oriented professionals who fill the gap between academics and professionals. Professionals can further their education in practice-oriented higher education. No vocational qualification without the possibility of continuing education in higher education.
Swiss politicians are aware of this strength and are praising the Swiss education system all over the world. The policy points to the positive effect of the strong higher vocational education on the stock of skilled workers and the low unemployment rates in Switzerland.
Governments worldwide are interested in this Swiss model and start programs to adapt it in parts or completely.
Whoever now assumes that this advantage of Switzerland is cherished and maintained is wrong. Compared to universities, practice-oriented higher education in Switzerland is disadvantaged in several areas. (more information can be found in German or French at www.odec.ch)
ODEC, the Swiss Association of CHE graduates) has long been publicly addressing these adverse conditions. Among other things, they were part of the farewell speech of former President Patrick Hähni at the Delegates’ Meeting in 2018.
This mission now bears first fruits. In the small chamber of the Swiss parliament, since the summer session, an advocacy of the Council of Anita Fetz is being dealt with, which wants to eliminate this disadvantage of the so important level of education. The initiative called for, among other things, a designation protection for colleges of higher education as well as institutional recognition by the federal government. In addition, CHE graduates will in future receive a Swiss federal title, as is the case with all other formal qualifications in VET.
The order is still being processed in Parliament and no law has yet been passed. However, there is a legitimate hope that the colleges of higer education, of politics, will receive not only words of praise but also their due status.
As a result, the Swiss parliament would set up a ligthhouse in the European educational landscape, in which other countries and the EU can orient themselves in the future.
