“Hotel & Gastro formation Switzerland” shares its expertise in vocational training with Latvia
As part of Switzerland's contribution to certain EU member states, the organisation “Hotel & Gastro formation Switzerland” is committed to improving basic vocational training in Latvia. Representatives of the Latvian private sector and the Ministry of Education and Science visited Swiss training companies.
The Swiss contribution strengthens cooperation between partner countries such as Latvia and Swiss organisations through the exchange of knowledge and experience, thereby promoting a positive image of Switzerland. Improving the economic development of partner countries also benefits the Swiss economy, not only in the form of opportunities for mutual strengthening of the labour market, but also as investment opportunities in new European markets.
Switzerland's contribution thus strengthens its presence and visibility, enables the strategic export of its expertise and the acquisition of new ideas and skills, and promotes its reputation as an innovative and reliable partner in Europe. “Switzerland's particularly sought-after expertise lies in its dual vocational education and training system, which closely combines theory and practice and actively involves the private sector in training. This model makes it possible to prepare young professionals specifically for the requirements of a dynamic labour market and is valued internationally as a role model,” says Mike Kuhn, Deputy Director, Head of Education/Vocational Development at HGf Switzerland.
In Latvia, Switzerland's contribution to strengthening basic vocational training aims to motivate the private sector to become more involved in developing training programmes for young and prospective skilled workers in areas such as the hospitality industry, the metal industry and mechanical engineering, particularly for agriculture.
Hotel & Gastro formation (HGf) Switzerland has been committed to training in the hotel and catering industry for almost 100 years. HGf Switzerland is an important Swiss partner for its Latvian colleagues as it represents one of the three sectors that are of particular interest to them. On 1 July this year, the Latvian National Education Development Agency (SEDA) and HGf Switzerland signed a partnership agreement in Weggis for an initial period of four years. “We hope for an open, collaborative partnership in which we share our experience and expertise and provide impetus without expecting our system to be adopted as such. Our aim is to support Latvia in developing its own suitable vocational training system based on the insights they have gained,” emphasises Mike Kuhn.
The event was combined with a multi-day insight into the dual vocational education and training system in Switzerland. Representatives from the Latvian private sector and the Ministry of Education and Science visited Swiss training companies, vocational schools and centres for inter-company courses. The high level of training, the professionalism practised and the interaction between the three learning centres were particularly appreciated. The apprentices' ability to produce high-quality products and provide services in their first year of training was particularly emphasised. The visitors were also impressed by the commitment of the vocational trainers and the creativity with which they teach complex skills in a creative and pragmatic way. The enthusiasm for the profession was palpable on all sides. For the Latvian side, the direct involvement of the private sector in basic vocational training was of great interest to meet the specific requirements of a constantly and rapidly changing market.