Medienmitteilung

The Federal Council approves the report on demographic trends and education

At its sitting of 30 January 2019, the Federal Council approved the report concerning the consequences of demographic trends on education. This text provides key figures on the likely trend of the Swiss population over the next 20 years in terms of education and compares these with demand in the labour market. The report also shows the importance of migration for certain areas of education.

The Swiss education system is in keeping with the current trend and expected trends on the labour market. This was the conclusion of the Federal Council’s report in response to postulate 12.3657 of the National Council’s Science, Education and Culture Committee (SECC).

The trend of the Swiss population in terms of qualifications, particularly the expected increase in the proportion of tertiary education graduates, was compared with various information concerning demand on the labour market. Overall, we will see an increase of500 000 people at tertiary level by 2037 while other education levels will remain stable, a trend that coincides with that of demand for qualifications on the labour market. By area of education and training, supply is also consistent with the needs of the labour market in terms of the qualified workforce.

Furthermore, the report shows the importance of migration for certain areas of education and training and its role in conciliating supply and demand. The future balance of supply and demand will thus also depend on migration trends and Switzerland’s capacity to attract very qualified people in areas where there is substantial need.

Finally, the report highlights that the well-established cooperation between partners in vocational and professional education and training tailored to the economy’s needs in conjunction with the high quality of Swiss higher education institutions should guarantee that the labour market’s needs continue to be fully considered in the future.