Cost-Benefit Analysis of Swiss Vocational Education and Training 2022/23

SourceArticle

Publication Date: Press ReleasePublished on November 17, 2025

1. Overview

  • Author: State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
  • Source: news.admin.ch
  • Date: November 17, 2025
  • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

2. Article Summary

What's It About?

The current survey analyzes the economic balance of dual vocational education and training in Switzerland. The data shows that apprenticeship training is financially worthwhile for the majority of companies - a crucial factor for the future of the Swiss vocational education system.

Key Facts:

  • 70% of apprenticeships generate a net benefit for training companies
  • Average net benefit: CHF 4,500 per training year and apprenticeship
  • 30% of apprenticeships incur higher costs than direct benefits
  • Survey refers to the 2022/23 training year
  • SERI has been funding these surveys for over 20 years
  • Indirect benefits: Reduced onboarding and recruitment costs
  • Detailed study available

Affected Groups:

  • Directly: Training companies, apprentices, vocational schools
  • Indirectly: Entire Swiss economy, future generations, international competitiveness

Opportunities & Risks:

Opportunities:

  • Ensuring qualified skilled workers
  • Strengthening international competitiveness
  • Sustainable talent development

Risks:

  • 30% of companies might reconsider training commitment
  • Dependence on economic profitability
  • Possible decline in apprenticeship offerings if costs increase

Recommendations:

  • Companies should give greater weight to long-term benefits
  • Continue monitoring cost-benefit developments
  • Examine support for companies with negative balance

3. Looking Ahead

Short-term (1 year):

  • Possible adjustments to training compensation
  • Increased focus on digitalization in training
  • Evaluation of support measures for deficit training companies

Medium-term (5 years):

  • Structural changes through AI and automation
  • New job profiles could show different cost-benefit ratios
  • Possible government incentive programs for critical training areas

Long-term (10-20 years):

  • Fundamental transformation of the work world
  • Lifelong learning could supplement traditional training models
  • International competition for skilled workers intensifies

4. Fact Check

  • CHF 4,500 net benefit: Plausible in Swiss context
  • 70/30 distribution: Consistent with previous surveys
  • 20 years of data collection: Confirms long-term observation
  • [⚠️ To be verified]: Cost calculation methodology not explained in detail
  • [⚠️ To be verified]: Industry-specific differences not listed

5. Additional Sources

  1. Die Volkswirtschaft - Detailed Analysis on Profitability
  2. SERI - Vocational Education Statistics
  3. Swiss Trade Association - SME Perspective

6. Source List

  • Original Source: SERI Press Release, news.admin.ch
  • Additional Sources:
    1. Die Volkswirtschaft, In-depth Article, Link
    2. SERI Vocational Education Portal, sbfi.admin.ch
    3. Swiss Trade Association, sgv-usam.ch
  • Facts checked: on 11/17/2025

📌 Brief Summary

Dual vocational education proves economically advantageous for 70% of Swiss training companies with an average net benefit of CHF 4,500 per year. This positive balance is crucial for the future viability of the Swiss training system. The 30% of companies with negative balance deserve special attention, as their long-term commitment is critical for system stability.

❓ Three Key Questions

  1. Transparency: Why aren't industry-specific differences broken down in detail - which sectors bear the main burden of training costs?

  2. Responsibility: Should profitable companies with positive training benefits make a solidarity contribution for deficit training companies?

  3. Innovation: How can digital learning methods and AI improve the cost-benefit balance without compromising the quality of practical training?

ℹ️ Meta

  • Version: 1.0
  • Author: press@clarus.news
  • License: CC-BY 4.0
  • Last Updated: 11/17/2025
BackToOverview