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Self-test: Is the "Vocational trainer" course the right one for me?

A vocational trainer shows an apprentice how to examine a car engine.

Would you like to do a vocational trainer course (formerly: master teacher course)? Would you like to find out whether training to become a vocational trainer is right for you?

Take our free and non-binding self-test.

During the test, you will receive important information about the courses, the prerequisites, the costs, the degree, etc.

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What does the day-to-day work of vocational trainers look like?

Vocational trainers and trainerswork in their own area of responsibilityandalso supervise apprentices in the same company.

They spend a significant part of their supervision time in direct contact with the learners.They demonstrate, explain and guide the learners. In manual, medical or caring professions, they instruct the practical steps, practise them with the trainees and monitor their execution.

In regularLocation discussionstopics such as the current level of knowledge, behavior, problem-solving skills or even wishes and concerns are discussed and solutions are sought together. Towards the end of the training period, thePreparation for the qualification procedure(The vocational trainers help learners to recognize and close gaps in their knowledge and resolve any uncertainties.

Vocational trainers (formerly: instructors) take on seasonal tasks in addition to the continuous supervision work: the planning and implementation ofTaster daysandInformation eventsand theSelection of the learner(s)who apply. There is always a lot to organize during the apprenticeship period, for example when apprentices "wander" through different departments of a company or complete their apprenticeship in different training companies. In larger companies or training workshops, there are also coordination tasks and collaboration in the training team, sometimes also conceptual tasks and collaboration in the company's training policy.

The actual time commitment of a vocational trainer depends on the profession and the number of apprentices. The workload is also not evenly distributed over the apprenticeship years; intensive phases alternate with quieter phases.

Question 1:

Do the activities meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a vocational trainer?

Who is a vocational trainer course (formerly: master teacher course) suitable for?

Target group

  • People who train apprentices in their workplace
  • Persons who are responsible for training apprentices in their company. Please note: According to the Vocational Training Act, at least one person in every company that trains apprentices must have completed the course for vocational trainers or equivalent training.

Required qualities and skills

To be successful as a vocational trainer, you should have the following qualities:

  • Good specialist knowledge, several years of professional experience and enjoyment of your own profession
  • Sociability and didactic flair
  • Enjoy guiding and mentoring young people
  • Ability to act as a role model
  • Confident appearance and language skills

Question 2:

Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?

Requirements for admission to training

For admission to the vocational trainer course (formerly: master teacher course) you need:

  • Apprenticeship qualification in the field of the profession being trained
  • At least 2 years practical experience in this profession

Question 3:

Do you meet the requirements for admission?

Content of the training and skills taught

  • Legal basis for vocational training
  • Cooperation with vocational school
  • Selection of learners
  • Planning the training
  • Development of young people
  • Teaching and learning in the company
  • Assessment and qualification
  • Conversation
  • Conflict management

Question 4:

Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire this knowledge and skills?

Costs and financing of a vocational trainer course

  • The average cost of the course, including teaching materials, is CHF 700-800.
  • Some course providers charge a separate fee for the "basic vocational training" manual (approx. CHF 70).

The course fees for the "Vocational Trainer" course are partly covered by the canton or the training company.

Worth knowing:

  • Since January 1, 2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations have been financially supported by the federal government. Anyone who attends the course as part of the training for the SVEB certificate "Instructor - Individual Supervision" (formerly SVEB-1 "Practical Instructor") and then continues on to the federal certificate for instructors can receive up to 50% of the course costs back after the professional examination.

Question 5:

Are you able and willing to pay the course fee of around CHF 700-800 yourself?

Duration, teaching form and teaching times

The vocational trainer course (formerly: master teacher course) takes place in classroom teaching and, with some providers, also partly online.

It comprises 40 lessons and lasts five full days. These can be spread over several weeks or take place as a compact weekly course.

Question 6:

Can you find the time for the course?

Completion and course confirmation

The course is designed to be highly practical and includes

  • Exercises and case studies
  • Work in small groups
  • Course presentations and structured plenary work
  • Exchange of experiences and reflections

If you complete the course in full, you will receive the federally recognized certificate for vocational trainers at the end. This is valid throughout Switzerland.

 

Question 7:

Are you confident that you can meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate?

Have you already made up your mind?
Or would you like to know more?

Show schools of course «Vocational trainer (cert.)» and get information