Training as a technical salesperson: experience report by the head of the BZWU further education department - This training course enables further development in the direction of sales, customer advice or purchasing

Werner Buchmann

Who are you and what is your job?

My name is Werner Buchmann. I am deputy rector at the BZWU Continuing Education and head the continuing education department at our school. This area comprises around 2,500 students with various courses and programs up to the level of Höhere Fachschule HF. I am also responsible for the Technical Business Management Assistant course and its successful implementation.

Who is the Technical Business Management Assistant course suitable for?

The target group for the Technical Business Management Assistant course are technically trained specialists who want to develop further or change careers. This can be in the direction of sales, customer service or purchasing. In addition, students receive sound business management training so that they can then switch from the technical field to the office. We have many candidates who are looking to switch to the office by training as a technical business management assistant.

Are there admission requirements for the Technical Business Management Assistant apprenticeship?

The admission requirements for the Technical Business Management Assistant course are clearly regulated by the requirements for the federal examination. Basic technical or trade training is required - you are not admitted to the course if you have basic commercial training.

Can you give an example of a career as a technical business management assistant?

An example from the construction sector would be: Someone has completed an apprenticeship as a bricklayer. This specialist would then like to go into the sale of roofing, house facades or other building materials, e.g. from a supplier. In this case, the technical salesperson apprenticeship is perfect. This provides the bricklayer with sound business training that builds on his knowledge as a specialist. Later, he can continue his specific training in sales, as many opportunities are open to him afterwards.
Another example would be in the procurement/purchasing segment: a production employee would like to develop and position themselves in purchasing. You also have good chances in this position with further training as a technical business administrator. There are many other possibilities.

What is the learning content for technical business management assistants?

The content of the Technical Business Management Assistant apprenticeship is varied. However, the content is based in particular on the specialist area of finance, where sound knowledge is imparted in over 120 lessons. Technical business management assistants also receive in-depth management training. An understanding of economic contexts such as economics and business administration is also taught. The areas of production management, law, marketing and presentation techniques are also covered. The business management topics are taught to such an extent that you could set up your own company and have the competence for knowledge of the legal framework. Self-employment is also an important area of the Technical Business Management Assistant course. In many family businesses, this training ensures that the children, who have first acquired technical or manual skills in an apprenticeship, can take over their parents' business.

How long does the Technical Business Management Assistant course take?

The Technical Business Management Assistant course at BZWU lasts between two and two and a half years.

What is the approximate cost of training to become a technical business management assistant?

The costs for the Technical Business Management Certificate range from CHF 16,000 to CHF 17,500, which is the usual range for training at the federal certificate level. Those who take the federal examination for technical business management assistants (which does not have to be passed) are reimbursed half of the costs by the federal government. This enables subject financing by the federal government.

What degree do the successful graduates receive?

The qualification is a federal certificate - this is the first level with a federally recognized qualification after obtaining a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) in an apprenticeship. Successful completion of the examination entitles graduates to use the title "Technical business management assistant with a federal certificate" or "Technical business management assistant with a federal certificate".

Why should you complete the Technical Business Management Assistant course at the BZWU?

The BZWU is a well-established school with good regional roots. We have very good teaching staff and our learning methods are also based on the latest findings for courses such as technical business management. We take new steps towards new learning models and consciously create practice-oriented learning environments. The focus is not purely on "cramming", but on imparting knowledge in a transfer-oriented way.
Another important aspect is our two-stage model for training technical business management assistants. After two semesters, you graduate from our course by taking the edupool examination as a technical business administrator with an HWD diploma. This is the Higher Business Diploma from edupool.ch. This qualification enjoys excellent acceptance in the business world. You therefore receive two valuable qualifications in one course.

What makes Wil an interesting educational location for students?

As a regional center, the Wil location offers excellent conditions for continuing education in technical business management. Our modern infrastructure enables transfer-oriented learning in a state-of-the-art learning environment. Good parking facilities and a canteen round off the package.

Overview of "Technical Business Management Assistant" providers