The popularity of steel construction is on the up and up. Fribourg-based companies working in this sector export their metalworking expertise throughout Switzerland and beyond. In 2005, four of these firms – CMA Construction, Morand Constructions Métalliques, Progin SA Métal and Sottas SA – joined forces to create the Ecole du Métal Sàrl, the first school of its kind. Around 20 apprentice metalworkers enjoy personalized support and benefit from the collective expertise of the school’s founders. The institution is part of Switzerland’s world-renowned and much imitated dual-track apprenticeship system which combines on-the-job training with attendance at a vocational college.

The budding metalworkers spend the first year of their four-year course at the Ecole du Métal (Metal School). During their time at the school, they learn the basics of their trade free from everyday workplace stresses. “Our business is becoming increasingly complex. With the advent of 3D design, BIM and Industry 4.0, the machines and techniques we use are constantly evolving”, explains Patrice Magnin, the school’s superintendent and head of training. This means that the next generation of metalworkers need to have an in-depth knowledge of their trade even before they set foot in a workshop.

“We also pass on the craftsmanship that is the basis of our companies’ know-how but has almost disappeared from everyday working life. The apprentices must be able to demonstrate these skills in our final exams.” According to Magnin, it would be wrong to dismiss this craftsmanship as redundant in today’s workplace. For him, it is precisely these traditional manual skills that instill in the young metalworkers a deep understanding and love of the trade.

Retaining qualified workers

In the second year, apprentices return to their companies where they continue their on-the-job training. In the third and fourth years, they return periodically to the Ecole du Métal. The head instructor explains that “The in-company trainers, instructors from the Ecole du Métal and vocational college teaching staff liaise on a regular basis for the entire duration of the four-year course. We also provide individualized support to the students who need it.”

The model works so well that it has been taken up again in 2021 to create the Ecole Romande du Métal. This school, which was the brainchild of the managers of Sottas SA, Metaltec Fribourg and Metaltec Valais, specializes in training metal fabricators with technical drawing expertise. The aim of these private initiatives is to resolve the industry’s shortage of qualified labor. As Patrice Magnin concludes, “We are able to retain qualified professionals thanks to first-rate supervision we offer apprentices throughout their training.”