Focal points of VET teacher training: a comparison of VET teacher education in the USA and Switzerland

Abstract

ABSTRACT With their work at the interface between the education system and labour market, VET teachers contribute to the efficacy and quality of the future workforce. This article compares the structures of teacher education in the framework of vocational education and training (VET) in the United States and in Switzerland and aims to contribute to the international understanding of VET teacher training. The insight into two different ways of preparing VET teachers leads to a display of particular aspects of the two systems as well as of similarities. The comparison focuses on characteristics such as VET institutions as workplaces, teacher/trainer- profiles that are needed in these institutions, required qualification to work in the institutions, training institutions for teachers and contents of teacher training programmes.