In many people’s minds, the ‘land of opportunity’ – the place where people have many chances to succeed, achieve their goals, and improve their lives – is associated with the United States. But a new study shows it is actually Switzerland.
These days, the “American Dream” – that is, the desire to succeed despite personal hardships – is not attainable to every US resident, but it is within the reach of Switzerland’s population.
At least, that is the conclusion of a new study carried out by the University of Lucerne.
It found that in the USA, a person’s income and a chance for professional success is determined by the level of educational attainment – that is, an advanced university degree is required.
In Switzerland, on the other hand, the level of education has a significantly smaller impact on financial prosperity, the study reported.
Researchers found that even without a university degree, people can be financially successful here, “which makes Switzerland a significantly better country for young people than the USA.”
Furthermore, “children from educationally disadvantaged families in Switzerland still have good chances of earning a high salary. In other countries, the correlation between education and income is considerably stronger.”
Switzerland excels in vocational training
One of the study’s authors, Nicole Meier, who is the Head of Education at the Swiss Employers’ Association, attributes Switzerland’s superiority in this matter to the country’s education system – namely, the strength of its vocational training, which consists of apprenticeships and, in some cases, also further professional training.
“Vocational training enables social mobility even without a university degree,” Meier pointed out.
“In Switzerland, you can earn a high income with an apprenticeship, but in the US, it’s quite different,” she added. “There, a good education and a good salary are only possible if the parents can finance a good education.”
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This is how it works in Switzerland
Compulsory education ends at age 16, when students have a choice between going to a university or opting for a three-year vocational education and training (VET).
More than two-thirds opt for a VET pathway, a dual-track programme that includes two days in a vocational school and three days getting an on-the-job training in their chosen sector.
It includes a variety of fields such as business and commercial, administration, retail, tourism, construction, information technology, arts, wellness services, as well as various trades — in all, 230 professions.
At the end of three years, during which apprentices are paid wages, they receive a VET diploma — the Federal Certificate of Proficiency (EFZ in German, CFC in French, or AFC in Italian) — which entitles them to work in their chosen field.
Those who want to continue their education at higher schools, such as Universities of Applied Sciences, can do so, after taking additional courses and passing exams.
In all, VET enjoys very strong support from Swiss employers, who credit it with being a major contributor to the continuing vitality and strength of the Swiss economy.
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Compelling advantages
In conclusion, Meier cites these reasons why Switzerland’s educational system offers more opportunities for growth and success than in the US:
- The vocational training system opens direct pathways to well-paid professions.
- The Swiss labour market rewards vocational skills, not just academic degrees.
- Early integration into the labour market promotes income development.
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And there’s more
Other research also indicates that people in Switzerland have “more opportunities for upward educational mobility” than on average across other countries belonging to the Organisation Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
