Committed to the next generation - Visible

With not only three laboratory technicians but also one administrator (training for her Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training), Swissmedic has always adapted its vocational training activities to changing times. There were trainee laboratory technicians back in the days of Swissmedic’s predecessor, the Intercantonal Office for the Control of Medicines (IOCM), but Swissmedic only started offering basic commercial training a year ago. "We’ve got to make sure we have sufficient resources to provide training", explains Larissa Arnheiter, who is responsible for training young people for their Federal Vocational Diploma in business. The selection criteria are the same for all vocational groups. "In addition to making sure they have appropriate school qualifications, we look primarily at how motivated potential trainees are and if they seem like good team players", says Brigitte Wyss, who is in charge of aspiring chemistry laboratory technicians training for their Federal Vocational Diploma. "We assess that during a two-day selection placement." At the end of the selection placement, candidates for the laboratory technician places have to prepare a short presentation. "By giving them small jobs in the lab and asking them to give a brief presentation, we can see if they’re suitable and interested in the profession too", adds Monika Haueter, who supervises trainee biology laboratory technicians working towards their Federal Vocational Diploma.

The aim going forward is to expand the number of job profiles on offer to trainees to include mediamatics or IT specialists, for example. "A few prerequisites have to be fulfilled first though", explains Larissa Arnheiter. "These include making sure the host company is appropriate for the vocational training to be given, that there is support from the individual departments, identifying the responsible vocational trainer and coordinating with the vocational training office which issues the permit at the end of the process." At present, the three supervisors divide the trainees up between them and consult each other on all issues. "We support the young trainees as they take their first steps in the working world", says Monika Haueter, describing the internal process. "We supervise them particularly closely on matters associated with their particular profession.

The supervisors make sure the trainees have ample opportunity to talk to each other. "Ideas from outside are welcome and communication is enormously important. Vocational training needs to be a living institution", says Larissa Arnheiter. "Motivation is key, as is the workplace atmosphere and, at the end of the process, the post-training career perspectives."

The three supervisors all work in the fields they have trained for – Larissa in Human Resources, Brigitte and Monika in the laboratory. This is essential in maintaining and developing their skills. All three see working with the trainees as an enrichment of their daily jobs. "It’s just fantastic to watch the uncertain kids of the taster days grow into self-confident, motivated trainees who graduate with pride and, at the end of their training, have found their vocation", says Brigitte on behalf of them all.

What was the first task you did?

«The very first thing I did was deal with the incoming post and scan all the letters. Then I worked on issuing and checking Free Sales Certificates (FSCs) for medical devices that were going to be exported to third countries.»
Jennifer Spycher, apprentice commercial employee, profile B, second year

How was your first day at Swissmedic?

Jenny: "It was a massive change. I was used to being with my twin sister every day, but suddenly I was on my own. Luckily I’ve got used to it in the meantime."

Levin: "It was a bit strange, but everyone made me feel welcome. I particularly liked the good atmosphere."

Jasmin: "Everyone was friendly and gave me lots of information. I haven’t worked in the lab yet."

Laura: "Very pleasant. I met my supervisor, got shown round the lab and got to know the team."

How did the other trainees and line managers welcome you?

Jenny: "Very warmly, I was introduced to everyone and made to feel part of the team straight away."

Levin: "It was great that nobody regarded me as 'just the trainee'. I felt I was part of things right from the start."

Laura: "Very warmly too. I felt really good right from the beginning. Everyone was nice and helpful."

What made you apply to Swissmedic?

Jasmin: "There are only nine host companies offering apprenticeships for biology laboratory technicians in the canton of Bern. I had to rule some of them out because the location wasn’t right. Swissmedic was the one that appealed to me most."

Why should someone do a lab technician apprenticeship?

"Because there’s just so much variety. You get to learn about so many methods, analytical tests and devices and get new experiences every day. The laboratory work is very hands-on, and then you evaluate the results afterwards in the office. That’s really exciting."
Laura Münger, apprentice laboratory technician (Federal VET Diploma), specialising in chemistry, third year

Jenny, have you always wanted to do a commercial apprenticeship?

Jenny: "To begin with I wanted to work in hotels, but after a few taster days, I noticed that I really liked office work. That was when I realised that a commercial apprenticeship was right for me."

Levin, how did you find out that chemistry is your thing?

Levin: "I had a chemistry set when I was a child and was fascinated by the subject from an early age. Later on I visited a stand at the Bern vocational training fair. I love the fact that everything’s interconnected. You can combine different disciplines."

Jasmin, why did you decide to train as a biology lab technician?

Jasmin: "I tried a few things out, such as working as a cook, fitness instructor or in services. Then I came across biology lab technician apprenticeships, did tasters at six different places and applied there because I enjoyed it so much."

Laura, you’ve been here for more than two years now. How have you settled in?

Laura: "Very well. I get on with everyone and I really like the way the team works. People are very helpful, but I can also work by myself."

What do your friends make of your choice?

"They think it’s a good one. I’ve always been very close to nature, so biology’s really my thing. I grew up in Uri, surrounded by mountains, forests and streams, and that really had an effect on me."
Jasmin Zberg, apprentice laboratory technician (Federal VET Diploma), specialising in biology, second year

What appealed to you most about Swissmedic?

Jenny: "Just the whole thing, really. Swissmedic as an institution and the medical background to it, what it does."

Levin: "I was interested in testing and medicinal product monitoring, and I applied because of that. After I’d done the selection placement, I knew it was right for me."

Jasmin: "I liked the work atmosphere, the team I met during my taster and the activities involved in the job."

Laura, what advice have you passed on to the new trainees?

Laura: "That trust is really important. And they can come to me at any time if they’re unsure about anything. Also that they shouldn’t be hard on themselves if there’s something they don’t know or can’t do. Finally, that it’s always better to ask me or their supervisor the same question twice, especially when they’re using lab equipment because you need to know how it works."

What’s made the biggest impression on you while you’ve been a trainee?

Laura: "The party we had after lockdown. I got to meet lots of people from other sites, including the other trainees. I’d love it if we got to spend more time together and got to talk to each other more. There always used to be a trainees’ event before COVID and it’d be great if it was reintroduced."

What have you found most interesting this year?

Jenny: "Issuing FSCs. You get to find out more about the different products and companies and check the export certificates for all the different countries."

What task have you enjoyed most so far?

Laura: "Working with the gas chromatography system because it’s such varied work and there are always new samples to find out about."

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt this year?

"Joined-up thinking and understanding the basics. Even things like how you measure something or fill it up correctly."
Levin Hutz, apprentice laboratory technician (Federal VET Diploma), specialising in chemistry, second year

What do you like best about your day-to-day work?

Jenny: "The office environment. I love immersing myself in a particular subject."

Levin: "The fact that it’s so varied. We’re always working on different devices and trying new things – I like that."

Jasmin: "I think it’s really cool that I get to see so much even though I’m just a trainee. If one of my colleagues is doing something new, they always involve me. I also like using all the different methods but still being able to work in the daily routine at the same time. And understanding the things you need in your daily work and realising how everything fits together."

Laura: "Laboratory assignments that I get to plan and do myself so I experience all the processes first-hand."

What school subjects do you like best?

Jenny: "I like accounting and economics and social studies. I’m less good at languages."

Where do you see yourselves in 10 years’ time?

Levin: "I’m definitely going to do my vocational baccalaureate and get a bit of experience."

Jasmin: "I might do something that involves working with people, such as physiotherapy or sports physiotherapy. But I could also see myself going into research or forensic pathology."

Laura: "Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship I want to do my vocational baccalaureate. After that I could see myself studying biology, chemistry or biochemistry. And finding a place of my own, of course!"

Jenny: "Working in sales and administration at my parents’ company."

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Vocational training supervisors Committed to the next generation

What was the first task you did?