(15.06.2022) Continuing education is very common among the Swiss. In 2021, 45% of respondents to the Federal Statistical Office's (FSO) Swiss Adult Education Survey had participated in such courses.
The survey of those aged 25 to 74 years shows a 17-point drop in participation compared to the previous survey: down from 62% in 2016 to 45% in 2021. Nevertheless, this decrease should be seen in the context of the pandemic. The fact is that in 2021, health restrictions prevented many in-person courses from being held.
Among those who participated in continuing education in 2021, 44% dedicated more than 40 hours to it, 36% between 8 and 40 hours, and 20% less than 8 hours.
The fields of study most in demand for vocational training were "economics and work" (29%), "science and technology" (18%), and "computer science" (17%). For non-professional training, sports, art, labor force activity (29%), science and technology (15%), and languages (13%) were the most popular subjects.
Further, more than half of the employed participate in continuing education (54%). This rate is 18% among those who are not working and 42% for those who are registered as unemployed. There are differences according to the level of education: the rate is 62% for tertiary graduates and 16% for those without post-secondary education.
Participation in continuing education differs according to age group. Attendance rates range from 51.2 to 53% in the 25-54 age group, dropping to 40.4% in the 55-64 age group and 18.6% in the 65-74 age group.
Last modification 15.06.2022
