Governor Stitt Leads NGA Delegation to Study Swiss Apprenticeship System

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Joins Gov. Stitt, Swiss officials for "Reimagine Learning" conference

Zurich, Switzerland - NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt led a delegation to Switzerland to study the Swiss apprenticeship system. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, a former teacher, joined Gov. Stitt in the visit, which included meetings with senior Swiss government officials, business leaders and industry associations; briefings on Switzerland's vocational and education training (VET) model; and site visits to vocational schools and apprenticeship programs embedded in a variety of industries.

The event is the first in a series of gatherings connected to Gov. Stitt's NGA Chair's Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream.

"Governors want every student in our states to have the best possible chance at living the American Dream. That means every student needs to leave high school college ready or career ready," said Governor Stitt. "Apprenticeships give students the chance to earn while they learn and to graduate high school with good-paying jobs. I've challenged Oklahoma leaders to create 250 new apprenticeships this year, and Switzerland's system is the best in the world to model ourselves after. I appreciated the opportunity to see Switzerland's model up close. I was honored to meet with Federal Council President Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin and other Swiss government officials to continue the friendship between our two great nations."

"Workforce development programs for youth are integral to growing the United States' economy, which is why my first executive order as Governor was to increase youth apprenticeship opportunities in Delaware," said Governor Meyer. "Delaware's high school pathways program already leads the nation, and seeing Switzerland's model in action has further demonstrated the viability of increased apprenticeship opportunities. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our state programs so that every Delawarean has the opportunity to live their American Dream."

Governors met with President of the Federal Council Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin and a number of other high-ranking Swiss government and embassy officials to discuss education innovation and U.S./Swiss trade. Site visits included: gibb vocational school, Swisscom AG, Pilatus, Thermoplan, and Sika Technology.

In Switzerland, about two-thirds of learners participate in apprenticeship programs between ages 15 and 19. The Swiss vocational and education training (VET) model is a dual system, in which students receive paid, on-the-job training a few days a week combined with vocational classes. Through extensive career counseling, career testing and job fairs, students assess their interests and skills to choose from among 250 officially recognized training programs in a broad range of fields - including retail, health care, electrical, information technology, finance, manufacturing and more. Upon completing an apprenticeship program, students receive a Federal VET Diploma or a Federal VET Certificate that is recognized throughout Switzerland - maximizing opportunity and ensuring consistency and transferability of certification.

Because programs are developed in close collaboration with employers and tied closely to job market demand, Switzerland's VET program is credited with low youth unemployment rates and high productivity and innovation within businesses.

At Swisscom AG, the governors met with apprentices working in IT and witnessed a video production and editing demonstration. At Pilatus, the governors observed demonstrations at apprentice stations, including precision manufacturing and electronics. The governors also met with apprentices and teachers in a classroom setting during their visit to the gibb vocational school in Bern.

Launched in July, the yearlong Reigniting the American Dream initiative focuses on three policy pillars:

• Unlocking Economic Opportunity: Advancing the American Dream through entrepreneurship, creating a good jobs economy and economic mobility
• Empowering Every Learner: Reimagining education and creating real on-the-jobs experiences for youth
• Energizing the Future: Powering America's next chapter by powering our AI future

Future events are planned in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Learn more about the Reigniting the American Dream initiative, and upcoming bipartisan events, on the NGA website.