Positive balance for the integration pre-apprenticeship

Since last summer, refugees with F or B permits have been able to complete a one-year integration pre-apprenticeship at AGVS-Garagisten. The automotive vocational field has so far been offered in the cantons of Solothurn, Valais and Zurich. Starting in the 2019/20 school year, the AGVS Central Switzerland Section will also participate in the pilot project of the State Secretariat for Migration with eight to ten participants.

Success for the participants

The first year was a success for everyone involved. In the canton of Zurich, all six participants received an apprenticeship contract for basic training with a federal vocational certificate (EBA) or federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ). Among them was Mebrhatom Gebremeskel from Eritrea, who completed his integration pre-apprenticeship at Garage F. + Ch. Müller AG in Steinmaur, the business of Zurich AGVS section president Christian Müller. "The most important thing for me was that I learned how to work here, what the rules are and how to deal with work colleagues and employers," says Gebremeskel. Melanie Aardalsbakke, project manager at the Middle School and Vocational Training Office of the Canton of Zurich, also draws a positive conclusion: "It's striking how committed many apprenticeship companies are and also perceive this project as an opportunity and a broadening of horizons." Twelve Zurich garage companies have already signed up again for the coming school year.

Way to recruit young professionals

The Solothurn section was in charge on the part of the AGVS and worked out the applicable competence grid together with the head office in Bern. This sets out the teaching content of integration teaching. The grid ensures that training is carried out according to the same criteria throughout Switzerland. "The basis for this was provided by the automotive assistant training," explains Thomas Jenni, managing director of the AGVS Solothurn section. The participants work in the garage for three days a week and attend school for two days. In addition to language acquisition and learning about the cultural, economic and political characteristics of Switzerland, they receive technical instruction there. "It's a great project that pays off for everyone involved," Jenni emphasizes. "We need young professionals, and this is one way to recruit them."

Pre-apprenticeship integration helps alleviate skilled labor situation

Olivier Maeder, responsible for vocational training at the AGVS, agrees. "Thanks to the integration pre-apprenticeship, the participants can gain experience in the Swiss working world and learn the necessary language skills at the same time," says the AGVS management member. "Thanks to this basis, they can later do an EBA or EFZ apprenticeship. In this way, they also make a positive contribution to alleviating the skilled labor situation."

Source: Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz