The wide range of training and further education opportunities following an apprenticeship are a major strength of the Swiss VPET system. In order to strengthen the recognition of formal higher vocational education and training qualifications both nationally and internationally, the Swiss Packaging Institute is advocating the introduction of the title supplements “Professional Bachelor” and “Professional Master”. This underlines their equivalence to other tertiary education qualifications.

Higher vocational education and training (HBB) is part of the education system at tertiary level and comprises a wide range of formal qualifications that directly follow on from the 250 or so basic vocational training courses. In Switzerland, there are a total of around 260 professional examinations, 160 higher professional examinations and around 440 courses at universities of applied sciences (HF). This means that professionals can continue their professional development in a targeted manner and acquire specialized qualifications at tertiary level, which are in high demand on the job market.
Despite its importance, HBB is often insufficiently recognized in society and in international comparison. Its qualifications are less tangible, particularly due to the heterogeneity of the sectors. Yet it is precisely the sector-specific structure that is the great strength of HBB. While university degrees such as “Bachelor’s” and “Master’s” are known worldwide, federal HBB degrees therefore remain less comprehensible – not only internationally, but also in society.

The national titles, such as our “Packaging Manaer mit Eidg. Diplom” (HFP), are retained and now supplemented with the title additions, in this case “Professional Master”.
In practice, the prevalence of title supplements will depend in particular on their use in the respective sectors.

For the SVI, it is crucial that the social recognition of PET qualifications is strengthened so that young people will continue to opt for basic vocational training in the future. The Swiss economy will continue to rely on graduates with these tailor-made qualifications in the future. The title supplements should make it clear to influencers such as parents, teachers and careers advisors that vocational education and training offers many opportunities that are equivalent to university degrees.
Another key advantage of the title supplements is the better positioning of the HBB compared to the non-formal continuing education courses CAS, DAS and MAS. Despite their positioning as non-formal qualifications, these so-called “continuing education masters” enjoy a high level of social recognition due to their English designations. The introduction of the title additions “Professional Bachelor” and “Professional Master” emphasizes the tertiarity of higher vocational education and training – in addition, the VET Bachelor/Master closes an important gap compared to the increasing number of non-formal courses.