Switzerland
Switzerland country reports
Switzerland 2024/25
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Funding is necessary to support adults improving their basic skills
Overall ALE situation in Switzerland
There have been no major changes in ALE policy since 2023. The situation in Switzerland is currently complex, as a broad cost-saving programme is being discussed at national level, which includes the Continuing education and training Act that enumerates measures aimed at encouraging adults to acquire and maintain basic skills (reading, writing, speaking in a national language, mathematics, information and communication technologies).
This Country Report has been conducted with the support of the Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung (SVEB), the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning.
The skills dimension
SVEB’s view on the increasing focus on skills is prudent. The organisation reflects on the meaning of the term lifelong learning which is often misused and does not fully reflect its original meaning - learning that extends across all stages of life. Similarly, the concept of skills can be interpreted in different ways, and its use often depends on the specific policy or educational context.AI in Adult Learning
SVEB is testing AI tools, organising internal training courses, and supporting its staff in integrating AI into their daily work. The organisation has also published a study on the use of AI in further education institutions, which has attracted considerable interest across the sector.How engaged is SVEB in the decision-making process?
SVEB has indicated its commitment in being part of the decision-making process through different advocacy efforts conducted via various channels - mainly to counter the cost-saving measures. These actions take place both at the political level and within civil society networks, with the aim of joining forces and coordinating efforts to influence key decision-making processes.SVEB’s take on the PIAAC results
SVEB agrees that PIAAC results are representative of the situation in their country. Results are considered alarming, as they show that 30% of adults in Switzerland lack basic skills. These results are not in line with the cost-cutting measures currently under discussion, which would particularly affect education in the area of basic skills.
SVEB’s top funding sources
The organisation mentions fees by individuals and contribution paid by employers as the main sources of funding. Contributing education in Switzerland is to a large extent a private market.
Disclaimer on the participation in education and training data: the data focuses on formal and non-formal education and training, excluding guided on-the-job training. Participation is higher when on-the-job training is included. Data coming from sources such as OECD and the monitoring framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights may differ from the presented data.
Switzerland 2023
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Developments: Civil society holds strong
Posted: 2020-11-23 / Category: Switzerland 2020 / Tags: -
Challenges: Public initiatives are needed to increase participation in adult learning
2019
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Switzerland introduction 2019
Posted: 2020-01-09 / Category: 2019 / Tags: non-formal learning basic skills leisure education low-qualified -
Links to EU and international policy in Switzerland 2019
Posted: 2020-01-09 / Category: 2019 / Tags: advocacy sustainable development non-formal learning formal learning -
Challenges and recommendations in Switzerland
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Recent developments in Switzerland
Posted: 2020-01-09 / Category: 2019 / Tags: basic skills vulnerable learners digital_skills participation
