News 
In early October, the Salon des métiers et de la formation (vocational training show) passed the symbolic mark of 50,000 visitors. Accompanied by their teachers or families, students were able to discover more than 500 training courses presented by around 100 exhibitors. The watch industry also took part, with its new booth.
Every autumn, training fairs for future apprentices are organised in various towns across French-speaking Switzerland. While the cities of Geneva and Neuchâtel hold such events every two years, Lausanne hosts an annual happening in the heart of the Beaulieu halls. Held from 1 to 6 October, the 2024 edition closed with a new attendance record, confirming the event’s central role for young people and professionals located in French-speaking Switzerland. With a total of 50,899 visitors this year, the steady increase in the number of participants testifies to the growing importance of this event for vocational guidance and training.
Record attendance
This year, 16,892 students registered with their classes to visit the show, taking advantage of the 500 initial, higher and continuing vocational training courses on offer from around 100 exhibitors. This reflects the schools’ commitment and students’ interest in the wide range of career paths available.
In addition to the booths showcasing the various courses on offer, young visitors were offered practical talks on finding an apprenticeship and mock job interviews to help them integrate into the world of work.
The first Higher Vocational Training Day
The first Higher Vocational Training Day was held on Sunday 6 October, giving adults a great opportunity to discover more than 60 courses offered by 20 exhibitors. The event highlighted the opportunities offered by higher vocational diplomas, certificates, federal vocational diplomas and certification for adults (CPA).
Le Lab’ - Careers in ecological transition
In addition to this day dedicated to higher education, the show offered a series of captivating events, such as Le Lab’ – Careers in ecological transition. This interactive trail gave visitors a chance to discover the jobs associated with the ecological and social transition, a rapidly expanding sector.
Presentation of watch industry professions
For this year’s event, metiers-horlogerie.ch presented itself in a new setting that reflected the industry it represents: modern and ambitious. The revamped booth was designed to reflect the precision and meticulous care characterising microtechnology, watchmaking and finishing. Several thousand visitors came to discover the richness and diversity of these professions.
A clockwise tour
Showcasing the collaboration between the different specialities, the visit to the booth offered a complete immersion in the world of watchmaking, complete with practical demonstrations and interactive challenges. An area dedicated to higher education, as well as a photo booth, added a fun and educational dimension to the experience. The more than 40 apprentices and 20 or so trainers who took turns throughout the week passed on their passion and expertise, confirming their role as true ambassadors.
Numerous apprenticeships up for grabs
The Canton of Vaud currently has more than 70 apprenticeships in watchmaking. The Ecole technique de la Vallée de Joux (ETVJ) and the participating Vaud training companies took this opportunity to raise awareness among a wide audience of the opportunities offered by the sector. The many apprenticeships on offer can be discovered on the dedicated metiers-horlogerie.ch platform.
Visitors on time for their future
The event and the presence of metiers-horlogerie.ch not only drew large crowds, but also aroused genuine interest and even inspired vocations among many visitors. Many of them expressed their fascination with the accurate, deft touches and technical nature of the demonstrations, reinforcing their desire to discover more about the professions presented.
The next edition of the Salon des métiers et de la formation in Lausanne will be held from 18 to 23 November 2025.
October 24, 2024