Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Switzerland (Ratification: 1977)

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Vocational training programmes. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2009 containing replies to the 2008 direct request, as well as to the comments made by the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (USS/SGB). In its communication transmitted in September 2008, the USS/SGB referred to the establishment in five cantons of vocational training funds as being an effective tool to promote the creation of training opportunities. The USS/SGB expressed its concern over the federal authorities’ lack of support for the creation of other such funds at cantonal level. The Government indicates in its reply that it opposed the initiative for the establishment of a federal vocational training fund, because the fund-raising as well as the allocation of funds were not demand-driven. The Government recalls that pursuant to section 60 of the Federal Law on Vocational Training, professional organizations may establish sector-specific funds.

As concerns the difficulties encountered by students coming out of compulsory education in entering the vocational training system, which were pointed out in the USS/SGB’s comments, the Government indicates that many students do not begin basic vocational training because they still need to fill gaps in their theoretical knowledge, whereas others prefer waiting for apprenticeship opportunities to become available in the field of their choice. In these cases, cantons ensure that students find an appropriate temporary solution. As concerns the measures taken to facilitate the transition from school to the labour market, the Committee notes that the federal and cantonal authorities together with the professional organizations have further developed support tools for low-performance students, namely coaching and mentoring projects, the use of apprenticeship promoters at cantonal level to encourage companies to provide apprenticeship opportunities, as well as measures to help vulnerable young persons find an apprenticeship (case management vocational education).

Finally, the USS/SGB emphasized the need to implement the right to continuous training, as provided under section 64a of the Federal Constitution, to cope with the increasing training needs and to provide greater access to vulnerable categories of workers, such as low-skilled and migrant workers. In this respect, the Government recalls that measures for the implementation of the constitutional provision are presently under discussion. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report further information on the consultations held with social partners in order to obtain their cooperation in the formulation and implementation of human resources development policies and programmes, with specific reference to the measures envisaged to implement section 64a of the Federal Constitution on continuous training.

Article 3. Vocational guidance. In reply to previous comments, the Government reiterates that under the Federal Law on vocational training, the cantons provide well-developed vocational guidance and career orientation services, including an online service. The Committee reiterates its interest in receiving information on the measures taken by cantons to ensure that information and guidance in accordance with the terms of the Convention are made available to all persons concerned.