Adult education increases income 50% (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Adult secondary II qualification increases income by 50%
• NEET share drops from 20% to 11%
• Employed rise to 80%

Key facts

• Institution: Federal Statistical Office (FSO)
• Period: 2013-2023 (10 years)
• Sample: 11,000 people
• Types of qualifications: AFC (84%), CFP (14%)
• Initial income: CHF 3,500/month
• Final income: CHF 5,200/month
• Income increase: 50%

NEUCHÂTEL - Obtaining a secondary II level qualification significantly improves the labour market situation and income, even though it occurs only in adulthood, according to a detailed analysis published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

According to the study, Neuchâtel specialists considered the nearly 11,000 people who in 2018 obtained a Federal Certificate of Practical Training (CFP), a Federal Certificate of Capacity (AFC), a general culture certificate or a high school diploma at age 25 or older. These qualifications correspond to the completion of secondary II level education.

Five years earlier, in 2013, only 60% of these individuals were active in the labour market and one in five (20%) was neither employed nor in education or training (NEET). Moreover, for employed persons the gross labour income was "low", averaging CHF 3,500 per month. This scenario poses a significant challenge for the Swiss labour market and social security systems such as AVS/AHV, as few people without adequate training contribute less to the system.

Five years after obtaining the qualification, in 2023, the NEET share had almost halved (11%) and the share of employed persons increased "substantially", reaching nearly 80%. These figures are comparable to those of the population in the same age bracket, demonstrating that adult education can effectively bridge the employment gap.

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Operational details

The UST analysis shows that the economic impact of adult education translates into a significant increase in average income, which rose from 3,500 to 5,200 Swiss francs per month, an increase of about 50% over ten years. This rise in purchasing power has positive effects on the cost of living in Switzerland, allowing these individuals to contribute more to the national economy and to meet daily expenses with greater financial stability.

Overall, 84% obtained a Federal Certificate of Capacity (AFC) and 14% a Federal Certificate of Practical Training (CFP). The latter, lasting two years, is aimed at young people who have mainly practical skills; the AFC, lasting three or four years, includes a broader theoretical component and a larger number of tasks compared to the CFP. These professional qualifications represent a concrete opportunity to improve one's position in the Swiss labour market, where continuous training is often a decisive factor for professional growth.

Different training paths

The group of people who arrived in Switzerland after completing compulsory schooling, for whom the secondary level II qualification is the first post‑compulsory credential they obtain, stood out for a particularly high percentage of CFP (35%). This proportion even reaches 66% for people coming from the kindergarten sector, the UST notes. These data highlight how training paths in Switzerland can adapt to the various needs and backgrounds of participants, offering opportunities for professional re‑placement and social integration.

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Key points

The UST study shows that investing in training as an adult is an effective strategy to improve one's position in the Swiss labour market. For those who wish to undertake this path, it is essential to know the requirements and procedures necessary to access these training courses. The competent cantonal administrations offer detailed information on the specific requirements for each type of degree, such as the federal certificate of ability (AFC) or the federal certificate of practical training (CFP).

Procedure for access to training

The first step is an assessment of your skills and professional goals. Next, you should contact the vocational training centers or schools that offer the desired pathways. Many cantons organize evening or part-time courses designed specifically for working adults, allowing study and professional activity to be reconciled. It is important to consider that vocational training in Switzerland often involves costs that can be partially covered by scholarships or subsidies, especially for disadvantaged people.

For those wishing to deepen vocational training opportunities in Switzerland, the Swiss Centre for Vocational Training, Career, University and Career Guidance Service at www.orientamento.ch provides detailed information on the available pathways.

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Source: tio.ch