Bringing refugees into vocational education and training: The challenges of a pre-apprenticeship program for integration in Switzerland

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of a Pre-Apprenticeship program for Integration (PAI) designed to prepare refugees for vocational education and training (VET) in two French speaking Swiss cantons. Addressing the research questions of "Which aspects have prompted the changes to the structure of PAI" and "What structural and conceptual factors have influenced these changes", the study uses qualitative interviews with PAI experts and document analysis to understand program challenges and adaptations. Results highlight structural differences in program implementation, such as the degree of integration with vocational schools and different models of individual support. Challenges identified include inter-institutional collaboration, communication with companies and addressing the highly varied learning needs of PAI apprentices, particularly in language skills and some specific transversal skills development. Adaptations reflect efforts to balance general skills development with trade-specific knowledge, revealing the complexities of integrating refugees into the Swiss VET system within a short timeframe.