Today marks a special day for 267 young people as they are all starting their vocational training with Swisscom. More than half have opted for an ICT apprenticeship. At the same time, seven school leavers are starting a bachelor’s degree course in IT with integrated practice.
Ready to simply use the opportunities of the networked world – Swisscom wants to offer this to its customers, as well as taking the new generation of talent on this journey. That is why it is training around 866 apprentices. And a further 27 students have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree course in IT with integrated practice.
This August, 267 new apprentices will start their training in seven different vocational disciplines: Information Technology, ICT Professional, Interactive Media Design, Mediamatics, Commercial Education, Retailing Specialist and Call Center Specialist. Seven school leavers have opted for the bachelor’s degree course in IT. 13 apprentices will be starting their apprenticeships at Swisscom’s subsidiary cablex – to become electricians or network electricians (specialising in telecommunications).
The start of their training will be a little different for this year's new apprentices. To ensure compliance with the regulations and protective measures relating to coronavirus, a hybrid programme has been put together for the initial two-week ‘First Steps’ phase. The apprentices and their coaches will be on site for approximately half those days. For the remaining time, their induction will take place online.
Marc Marthaler, Head of Next Generation: «We think it is important that the apprentices are gradually introduced to the new normal from the very start. In other words, we want to enable them to use opportunities for virtual collaboration and to work independently from home.»
This summer, 266 apprentices successfully completed their apprenticeships at Swisscom, equating to a pass rate of 94 percent. cablex saw 16 apprentices ready to join the workforce after passing their final exams. Approximately half the apprentices have been hired by Swisscom.
At Swisscom, apprentices put together their own apprenticeship pathway. They apply for different projects, lasting for between one day and six months, which are posted in the internal online marketplace and which provide them with the expertise they need. This gives them insights into many different subject areas, an opportunity to meet new people and familiarise themselves with different areas of the business, and encourages their independence.