Further training to become an e-commerce specialist: New career opportunity
E-commerce is increasingly becoming a decisive competitive advantage. At the same time, there is a lack of corresponding experts. The newly launched e-commerce specialist training at the level of the federal professional examination promotes careers in Swiss online commerce - also for career changers.
Switzerland ranked sixth in European online trade in 2021, ahead of Germany, Belgium and France. This is shown in a ranking published by the Federal Statistical Office. According to the Statista portal, over 58 % of the world's population made an online purchase once a week in 2021. For Germans, this was only 42 %. Until recently, Switzerland was considered a laggard in e-commerce. It is now catching up. In 2021, online trade here grew by just under 10 %. Domestic e-commerce is also increasingly benefiting from this. While the Swiss ordered more and more goods online from abroad between 2010 and 2018, this share has been falling or stagnating since 2019. In 2021, Swiss e-commerce turned over a total of CHF 14.4 billion.
More e-commerce in wholesale
E-commerce is also becoming increasingly important in B2B. Ueli Stursberg, first secretary of Handel Schweiz and head of education, confirms this: "Innovations in e-commerce are increasingly affecting trade between companies, such as in wholesale. Here we expect stronger growth. This is because the generation that now takes a seat in companies and makes decisions is used to online trade as a consumer. They demand similar standards from suppliers. That's why savvy professionals are in high demand."
First federal degree as e-commerce specialist
In recent years, employees in Swiss e-commerce have often had to expand their knowledge on the job. The industry has now launched a further training program at the federal vocational examination level. Candidates must have a basic education in retail, commercial or mediamatics and at least two years of professional experience. Other basic training courses are accepted. From autumn 2022, the first further training courses for e-commerce specialists can be attended, starting in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Seven module examinations must be completed. The first degrees are expected to be awarded in 2024. The new federal diploma simplifies recruitment and careers in the growth market of e-commerce. The sponsors include ODA Education Retail Switzerland, Handelsverband.swiss, the association of e-commerce companies, and Dachverband Handel Schweiz. E-commerce specialists set up online stores or digital platforms to sell services or products. They also operate them and develop them further.
Source: Trade Switzerland
