Felicitas Trinidad, News, Office of International Affairs
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) reaffirmed its commitment to global academic collaboration and vocational education advancement through its participation in the international training program “Skills in Switzerland – Exploring Apprenticeship Excellence” organized and funded by the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET). The training was held from September 15–19, 2025, in Lausanne and Bern, Switzerland.
Representing PUP were Engr. Ramir M. Cruz, Dean of the Institute of Technology; Engr. Frescian C. Ruiz, Chairperson of the Department of Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology; and Asst. Prof. Felicitas C. Trinidad, Director of the Office of International Affairs. They joined global participants from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Canada), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (Australia), as well as vocational institutions from Albania, Norway, and El Salvador (Swisscontact).
Highlights of the Training The week-long program immersed participants in Switzerland’s world-class Vocational Education and Training (VET) system through institutional visits and knowledge exchanges. The delegation gained insights from SFUVET’s dual-track learning model, explored applied business and service innovation practices at the EHL Hospitality Business School, and observed advanced engineering integration at Bobst in Mex.
They also experienced specialized training in watchmaking and precision engineering at the École Technique Vallée de Joux, collaborative construction training at the École de la Construction, and observed the prestigious SwissSkills 2025 competition that showcased excellence in technical professions. The training concluded with discussions at the gibb Berufsfachschule Bern, where participants learned about competency-based education models that directly resonate with PUP’s efforts to update curricula, strengthen industry linkages, and promote applied innovation in engineering and technology.
Strengthening PUP’s Internationalization and Technical Education Through this training, PUP gained valuable insights to further embed industry-responsive curricula, establish apprenticeship and dual-learning models with partner industries, promote innovation-driven skills competitions, and enhance faculty and student mobility through international cooperation.
Sustaining Cooperation with SFUVET PUP and SFUVET have committed to deepening their partnership with faculty mobility programs beginning in 2026, alongside possible collaborative research, student mobility, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts position PUP as a leader in applied research and technical education in the Philippines, equipping graduates with competencies to thrive in the global workforce. This collaboration, supported by Marina Grolimund, Advisor for International Relations at SFUVET, reflects the University’s dedication to fostering excellence in vocational and professional education.
The PUP-SFUVET partnership strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by advancing equitable, relevant, and future-ready learning opportunities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by preparing students with employable skills and industry-aligned training; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through international collaboration that drives innovation and knowledge exchange. By building global networks and embedding best practices into its programs, PUP continues to champion education that empowers individuals and supports sustainable national development.
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