The CIP celebrates its 30 years

Thirty years ago, the CIP was established in the upper part of the municipality of Tramelan. Its star-shaped buildings gave it a futuristic look, as did its objectives, namely to provide continuing education for adults, which was in its infancy at the time. This key player in the industrial fabric has successfully managed to diversify over its three decades of existence.

Established by Willy Jeanneret, mayor of Tramelan at the time, the Interregional Centre for Advanced Training (CIP) opened for business in the upper region of the Bernese village in 1991. Its aim was to boost vocational training for adults at a time when modular training courses allowing students to acquire a Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) were a revolutionary concept.

Today, the main activity of the CIP, directed by Didier Juillerat, is still focused on offering fully modular training courses. The site has diversified however and is divided into four different sectors: Training, Technology, Hospitality and Culture – four areas that lend real legitimacy to this professional entity. A new visual identity, linked to its different areas of activity, has also been launched and going forward will make it easier to distinguish the different propositions. In addition, the website (www.cip-tramelan.ch) has benefited from an extensive overhaul, specifically highlighting the four areas mentioned above.

Technology and Training
Formerly known as the CIP-CTDT, the CIP Technology department has been given a makeover and a new workshop called “DEFI (the French word for challenge), the workshop of the future” installed. Designed for bar turning and perfectly connected, it is entirely in keeping with the development of Industry 4.0. Demonstrations are conducted here with the aim of highlighting technological progress. There are already plans to double the volume of this area in order to create one or two additional educational blocks to improve the fun aspect during school visits.

CIP Technologie also offers companies practical training in the fields of turning, mechanics and cutting. Thanks to its tailor-made offers, this service supports companies in the further training of their personnel. Courses are developed in close collaboration with the client company and are perfectly suited to the particular needs of everyone concerned, whether individuals or groups.

In the last few years, consulting activities for companies have been steadily increasing. CIP Technologie trainers can provide practical support in matters relating to employee training or manufacturing processes within companies. The aim of these various activities is to achieve significant improvements in the various stages of the design and manufacture of parts.

The modular training courses offered by CIP Technologie lead to a Federal Vocational Certificate (AFP) as a mechanic or a Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) as a mechanical manufacturing technician. Aimed at people who are in the process of retraining or who are simply seeking professional recognition, the courses offer an opportunity to acquire new skills. Examinations are monitored by the “College of Experts” in the field of mechanical engineering, who ensure that the training given is consistent with the requirements of the curricula.

As a “neutral” meeting place and testing ground, CIP Technologie also collaborates with external players to develop new techniques. Currently, this sector is cooperating with the Swiss Association for Watch Research (ASRH) to improve the machining of lead-free brass.

CIP Technologie and CIP Formation are committed to being major players in education. From basic schooling to the most advanced technologies, they strive to meet the specific needs of companies and individuals active in modern industry. Whether in watchmaking, trade, crafts, IT, industry, management, or social health, to name but a few... the choice is vast and meets everyone’s expectations. And if this is not the case, customised solutions come to the rescue.

Digital learning platform
Another highlight of the 30th anniversary has been the official launch of a digital learning platform – a project that was started in 2018 and has been reinforced by the pandemic. As the “all digital” approach has its limits, the CIP has opted for blended learning which combines distance activities (in groups or individually) with face-to-face interactions. This alternation makes it possible to benefit from the best aspects of each method and thus to aim for optimal effectiveness in developing learners’ skills.

Hospitality and culture
With some 40 rooms, the CIP’s hotel section offers students and visitors a unique place to spend the night. This service is backed up by the Galileo restaurant, which is open every evening. In this anniversary year, the restaurant is offering a “special 30th anniversary” menu, made entirely with local produce as well as a selection of wines from the region.

On the cultural front, a media library is open all year round. Various events also take place in the heart of the complex, such as the well-known international comic book festival, Tramlabulle, held this year on September 25th and 26th 2021.

“30 years - 30 portraits exhibition”
To mark the 30th anniversary, the CIP is presenting an exhibition of 30 photographic portraits of people whose time at the CIP has marked daily life in one way or another. All have either participated in its construction, worked here, completed training or an apprenticeship, exhibited their work or are loyal clients of the various services offered by the centre.

The exhibition shows the importance and diversity of the CIP’s activities, its role in the professional life of many people, along with its cultural and social contribution, whether at a very local or regional level. Above all, the 30 portraits also demonstrate that the institution is a place designed for an entire population where different audiences meet, get to know each other and forge links. It is not uncommon to come across the owner of a watchmaking company, an asylum seeker, a Swiss-German tourist, a primary school pupil, a member of the Grand Council or a painter – all in the same day.

Created by photographer Anne-Camille Vaucher, a native of Tramelan, these 30 portraits, accompanied by a testimonial mentioning their link with the institution, are displayed in large format along the access path to the CIP, like a red thread accompanying visitors to the entrance. Anne-Camille Vaucher has chosen to highlight the building’s distinctive architecture, playing on lines and shapes, both close up and from a distance. The open-air exhibition is open to the public and will run until October 31st 2021.

September 23, 2021