Vocational education and training, career orientation and professional insertion in Switzerland (CH): The example of the canton of Valais

Abstract

The article is divided into three sections which are intended to complement each other. The first presents the design and organisation of vocational education and training in Switzerland with the canton of Valais as an example. It forms part of the general education system and relies mainly on a dual track approach to learning (business – school) while being attentive to the labour market (qualifications – employability). The second part, after referring to important contextual elements (socio-economic, legislative aspects, trends in educational and professional career orientation), develops the career orientation programme within two sectors: firstly, that of schools (13-16 years) and secondly that of adults. The third and last part expounds the particular problems concerning the insertion of young people: the delicate transition between school and work. A specific measure is presented, that of the “Semester of Motivation” (SEMO) for young people between 15 and 24 years of age and facing a rupture in their school – work transition.