TVET institutions offering off-the-job training

TVET institutions have a series of roles and responsibilities, notably:

  • Implementing the TVET institution-based learning components of the Quality Apprenticeship programme;
  • Contributing to the design and development of apprenticeship training programmes;
  • Supporting partner enterprises in establishing an effective in-company training plan, following the overall objectives of the apprenticeship programme;
  • Building the capacity of teachers and trainers responsible for the delivery and assessment of apprentices;
  • Nominating a TVET teacher or trainer as the focal point for coordination with external partners.

These roles and responsibilities may be stipulated in law or by the TVET regulatory framework, which sets the quality requirements for training organizations delivering specific qualifications. In the case of Switzerland these roles and responsibilities are covered by law, in section 21 of the Swiss Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act ( VPETA) of 13 December 2002 (box 23).

Box 5: Article 21 of the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act - Switzerland

TVET institutions shall be responsible for the classroom instruction segment of TVET programmes, which covers both vocational and general subjects.

TVET institutions shall have an independent education mandate to do the following:

  • help learners to develop their personal and social skills as they attend lessons on vocational and general subjects;
  • help learners to develop their particular talents and offer special courses that take account of the needs of both specially talented persons and persons with learning difficulties;
  • design TVET programmes in such a way as to promote true gender equality and discourage discrimination against people with disabilities.

Attendance of TVET institution courses is mandatory.

TVET institutions may organize both initial and continuing job-related VET courses.

TVET institutions may work with professional associations and enterprises to organize courses for groups of enterprises and other training providers.

TVET institutions may coordinate activities to enable various TVET stakeholders to work together (Swiss Confederation, 2017).