Executive Summary

On April 15, 2026, the Federal Council approved the 2025 annual report of the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (EHB). In 2025, the EHB trained and further educated a total of 16,828 people, worked on 62 research projects, and supported 394 vocational development projects. Key priorities were sustainability and digitalization with direct reference to vocational practice. Internationally, the EHB hosted 12 foreign delegations and was active in 15 countries. Financially, the institution closed the year in near balance (revenue: CHF 51.3 million, expenses: CHF 51.4 million).

Persons

  • Federal Council (collectively; approving body)

Topics

  • Vocational Education
  • Digitalization
  • Sustainability
  • Practice Transfer
  • International Cooperation

Clarus Lead

The EHB positions itself as the only Swiss institution of higher education with complete specialization in vocational education and uses its annual reporting to document the strategic shift from pure knowledge transfer to direct practical benefit. With seven exemplary projects – ranging from sustainability analyses to augmented reality learning tools to school curriculum handbooks – the institution demonstrates how research results flow directly into vocational profiles and teaching practice. This focus on digitalization and sustainability signals an adaptation to skilled labor needs and regulatory requirements that are becoming increasingly central for vocational education stakeholders and employers.

Detailed Summary

In 2025, the EHB realized its practice transfer commitment through concrete innovation projects. A sustainability analysis for vocational profiles systematically integrates environmental and social aspects into curricula. A newly developed app with augmented reality functionality uses interactive videos to support learning – an approach that embeds digital competency development directly into the learning environment. The national handbook for developing school curricula for general education instruction standardizes curriculum development and creates coherence across cantons.

Financially, the EHB strengthened its independence: self-generated revenue grew from CHF 8.9 to CHF 9.1 million. Equity capital of CHF 3.3 million buffers losses and enables strategic investments. The international dimension – 12 delegation visits and mandates in 15 countries – positions Swiss vocational education as an export model and secures the EHB as a knowledge partner for global vocational education reforms.

Key Messages

  • The EHB addresses two central future topics of vocational education with sustainability and digitalization.
  • Practice transfer occurs concretely through seven documented projects, from learning tools to curriculum standards.
  • Financial stability and growing self-generated revenue strengthen institutional autonomy.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What indicators demonstrate that the seven mentioned projects actually reach the broader vocational education practice – or are these merely flagship examples?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do clients from business and cantonal governments influence the EHB's research agenda, and how is independence ensured?

  3. Causality: Can it be demonstrated that EHB projects actually lead to better learning outcomes or higher sustainability competency, or is this an assumption?

  4. Feasibility: How are smaller vocational schools without digital infrastructure enabled to implement AR apps and new curricula?

  5. Data Gap: The report names 16,828 participants but not their distribution across training, further education, and special programs – making statements about reach difficult.

  6. Side Effects: Could the focus on sustainability and digitalization displace other vocational education topics (e.g., crafts, social competencies)?

  7. Overall Budget: The report shows revenue and expenses but not the allocation of funds between research, teaching, and vocational development – relevant for priority review.

Sources

Primary Source: Federal Council / Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training EHB – Annual Report 2025 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/PAISyjf-MIDIRfHd_YePJ

Verification Status: ✓ 15.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 15.04.2026