Vocational training program streamlined and expedited by Bühler
In June 2025, Bühler, a leading global manufacturer of food and mobility solutions, unveiled its innovative Vocational Fast Track program. This compact apprenticeship, inspired by the Swiss dual education system, is designed to address contemporary labor market challenges by providing focused, efficient skill-building, scalable, modular training, and cost-effective education [1][2].
The Vocational Fast Track program combines classroom instruction at Bühler's training center, the Bühler Energy Center, with hands-on experience in real production environments. It is primarily aimed at service technicians and maintenance personnel, offering modules in mechanics, mechatronics, project management, and optionally process technology [1][2]. Each module concludes with a recognized Swiss certificate, and the training includes health and safety courses aligned with Swiss standards [1][2][3].
By leveraging the strengths of the Swiss dual education system's close integration of theory and practice, Bühler aims to make vocational training more accessible and effective across different cultural and economic contexts [2]. This collaboration with industry associations, policymakers, and educational institutions benefits not only individual companies but entire economies [2].
Bühler has been a pioneer in vocational training for over 110 years, and the success of this approach is evident. Since the foundation of the apprenticeship program in 1915, more than 8,400 young professionals have completed an apprenticeship at Bühler in Switzerland alone [1]. Today, Bühler trains over 520 apprentices worldwide, 40% of whom are based outside Switzerland [1].
In the United States, the skills gap in manufacturing exceeds 1 million unfilled positions, half of them in the industrial sector [1]. Tracy Bayer, Head of Human Resources North America at Bühler, explained that the US urgently needs scalable, cost-effective workforce development models like the Vocational Fast Track [1].
Bühler's US programs combine community college education with on-the-job training at Bühler facilities, with graduates earning associate degrees and journeyman certificates [1]. This approach is part of Bühler's global strategy to internationalize the Swiss dual education model, running apprenticeship programs in countries such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, India, South Africa, Brazil, and the United States [1].
Global vocational training hubs are located in cities such as Minneapolis, Raleigh, Johannesburg, Bengaluru, Zamberk, and Curitiba [1]. This expansion reflects Bühler's commitment to providing modernized vocational training solutions that efficiently upskill industrial workers, directly addressing present-day labor market needs such as skill shortages, workforce instability, and the need for lifelong learning [1][2][3].
The Swiss dual education system is internationally recognized for its strong integration of theory and practice, contributing to one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in the world, below 4% [1]. Sonja Studer, Head of Education at Swiss industry association Swissmem, stated that the economic success of Switzerland and companies like Bühler is closely linked to the dual education system [1].
In summary, Bühler's Vocational Fast Track is a targeted, modernized vocational training solution that draws from a century-old Swiss tradition to efficiently upskill industrial workers, directly addressing present-day labor market needs such as skill shortages, workforce instability, and the need for lifelong learning [1][2][3].
- In the spirit of the Swiss dual education system, Bühler's Vocational Fast Track program blends classroom learning at the Bühler Energy Center with practical experience in manufacturing environments, focusing on modules like mechanics, mechatronics, project management, and energy technology.
- By offering a cost-effective, scalable, and modular training approach, the Vocational Fast Track program aims to fill the skills gap in the industrial sector, especially in regions like the United States where over a million manufacturing positions remain unfilled.
- Recognizing the importance of education and personal growth beyond formal training, Bühler encourages participants to engage in self-development and learning resources available through education-and-self-development platforms.
- As Bühler continues to internationalize the Swiss dual education model, it plans to employ technology to enhance the learning experience, fostering the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce that can meet the ever-evolving demands of the global industry.
