33 Cable Car Professionals Celebrate Their Apprenticeship Completion On Stoos
Recently 28 EFZ (federal certificate of vocational training) cable car mechatronics technicians and five EBA (federal certificate of vocational training) cable car technicians celebrated their successful completion of their apprenticeships on Stoos (SZ). National Councilor Heinz Theiler and Berno Stoffel, Director of Seilbahnen Schweiz, presented the diplomas and recognized the young professionals' achievements.
Four years of intensive training are behind the 24 male and four female cable car mechatronics engineers, who now hold their federal vocational qualifications (EFZ). Three male and two female cable car operators also received their federal vocational certificates (EBA) – the reward for two years of practical and theoretical training. In the presence of their families, industry representatives, and other guests, the graduates were offered a dignified ceremony on Stoos. Martin Langenegger, Managing Director of Stoosbahnen AG, Adrian Bühlmann, Managing Director of Transportunternehmung Zentralschweiz, and Marc Ziegler, Head of the Swiss Cable Car Training Center (SBS) in Meiringen, were among those congratulating them.
Apprenticeships with vision – at home in six regions
The 33 graduates come from six different regions of Switzerland. Twenty-five attended the vocational school at the SBS training center in Meiringen, and eight attended the French-language vocational school in Sion. Valais recorded the most graduates this year (10), followed by Central Switzerland (8), the Bern region (6), Graubünden (5), Eastern Switzerland (3), and Fribourg (1).
The best exam grades for the EFZ program were achieved by Silvan Odermatt (German: 5.4) and Jhonathan Clivaz and Melvyn Coutaz (French: both 5.3). Svenja Waser and Pascale Flacher also achieved the best grades in the German-language exam for the EBA program, achieving a grade of 5.3. Nicolas Urweider achieved a grade of 4.5 in the French class.
More than technology: What learners take away
In conversation with the graduates, it becomes clear that, in addition to technical knowledge, there are other aspects that are important in this profession. Michelle Müller completed her apprenticeship at Bergbahnen Engelberg-Trübsee-Titlis BET AG and, over the past four years, has also acquired skills that serve her in her daily life: teamwork, dealing with all weather conditions, and therefore remaining spontaneous and flexible. She says: "The apprenticeship is a great basic education because it's so broad. But you do have to enjoy being outdoors and the mountains." She particularly appreciated the class spirit during the block course in Meiringen: "We came from different parts of Switzerland, supported each other, and even visited each other. This way, you get to know other cable cars as well as other regions."
Samuel Liard, who completed his apprenticeship as a cable car mechatronics technician (EFZ) at the Centre Touristique Gruyères Moléson Vudalla SA, also mentions the close team spirit at his training company. "My trainers were wonderful, and in a family business, everyone looks out for each other very well." He describes the construction of a new chairlift on the Moléson as the highlight of his training – and he is pleased that he can remain at his former training company for the time being. "After basic training in January, I want to pursue further training as a cable car specialist." He has a tip for those considering an apprenticeship with a cable car: "With an apprenticeship at a large cable car company, the focus is more on mechanics than at a smaller company. There, you're closer to other areas – such as piste and rescue services."
Career opportunities between valley station and mountain peak
With their qualifications in hand, young cable car professionals have several options open to them: for example, part-time further training to become a cable car specialist with a federal professional certificate. This qualifies them for technical management of a cable car operation and enables them to train apprentices: a responsible job with a future.
In his address, Berno Stoffel emphasized the role of young professionals in the future of the industry. In light of technological change, the shortage of skilled workers, and climate adaptation, motivated talent with fresh ideas and technical know-how is needed. This year's graduates bring all of this. Marc Ziegler, Head of the SBS Training Center, emphasized the versatility of the cable car apprenticeship: It requires technical understanding, weather resistance, and team spirit – all of which the apprentices had impressively demonstrated during their training. The doors to further specialization, such as training as a cable car specialist, are open to them.
Almost 500 specialists trained since 2006
Cable car training in Switzerland is still young, yet a success story: Since its introduction in 2006, 400 cable car mechatronics technicians (EFZ) and 69 cable car operators (EBA) have graduated. The combination of practical on-the-job training and inter-company courses in Meiringen, Sion, or Bodio provides optimal preparation for a varied and responsible career with a cable car company.
