Swiss Cable Car Industry Reviews Its First National Youth Development Campaign
With "Alpine Tech Heroes" and the "Call of Heroes" taster days, the cable car industry launched its first national youth development campaign in 2023/2024, inspiring many young people. Looking back, the initiative is working. And it's entering the next round: with a new trade fair presence and more taster days.
How do you inspire young people to pursue technical careers in the cable car industry? This question was the starting point of the "Young Talent Development" project. The answer: introduce them to the exciting world of cable cars. "Alpine Tech Heroes," the industry's first national youth development campaign, was launched in 2023. The goal was to motivate as many young people as possible to participate in the two "Call of Heroes" taster days in March 2024. The taster days were organized by around 50 companies in the cable car industry, and many of the 150 young people who were able to discover the world of cable cars up close were enthusiastic.
Visible results: More learners than ever
The success is evident not only immediately after the end of the campaign, but also approximately one year after the "Call of Heroes" trial days. The SBS training center recorded a new record number of registrations for the apprenticeships of cable car mechatronics technician (EFZ) and cable car operator (EBA) even before the summer of 2025: With eight prospective female cable car mechatronics technicians, 40 cable car mechatronics technicians, and four cable car operators, the classrooms in Meiringen are practically bursting at the seams. Particularly encouraging: more female apprentices than ever before will begin their training in the industry. This shows that technical professions today appeal to a broader audience – an encouraging success. The record number of registrations is expected to rise even further with the apprentices beginning their training in Sion and Ticino. The final figures will be announced as soon as the training centers in the other language regions have also announced their registrations.
Standstill? Not at the association
But the battle for young talent isn't won with a single strong year of apprenticeships. And SBS isn't known for resting on its laurels. With a brand-new, attractive booth, the SBS training center will be present at the Swiss Skills career fair in Bern from September 17 to 21, 2025, and will inspire young people to pursue apprenticeships in the cable car industry.
A special highlight: Using VR glasses, visitors to the stand can virtually climb onto a cable car pylon – either in a winter or summer landscape – and thus gain a realistic impression of what it's like to work on a cable car.
Real insights thanks to real missions
The recordings for the VR headset were made by various members: during their daily work, while pushing the rope, during inspections with a transport barelle, and while replacing a reel battery with a Superpuma. Many thanks to the companies for their commitment!
Call of Heroes 2.0: The next round is coming
Coinciding with the Swiss Skills appearance, it is also announced that the national talent campaign is entering its second round. The "Call of Heroes" nationwide taster days will take place again on March 23 and 27, 2026.
The campaign is currently in planning. Further information—including registration options for cable car companies, training companies, partners, and communication measures—will follow soon. SBS would like to thank everyone who has kept the dates free and is willing to get involved.
The new booth will also be present at the career fairs in Lucerne and Chur in November. These appearances are a central part of the campaign.
Together for the future
Promoting young talent is a collaborative effort. Thanks to the support of many dedicated companies and organizations, we aim to continue the success story of "Alpine Tech Heroes" with fresh ideas, new formats, and the clear goal of inspiring young people for a future in the cable car industry.
