On September 10, 2025, the Embassy of Switzerland and the House Career and Technical Education Caucus organized a congressional briefing titled: Modern American Careers that are Fit for Apprenticeships. The lunchtime event was co-hosted by Representative G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).
Representative Bonamici opened the session, followed by introductory remarks from Swiss Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner, who highlighted Switzerland’s strength in the apprenticeship model and the longstanding partnership between Switzerland and the United States, anchored in the Friendship Treaty, which marks its 175th anniversary this year. Representative Thompson also joined the program, extending a warm welcome to the Embassy of Switzerland and its guests at Congress.
Three Swiss companies and one American organization who are pioneers in building a skilled workforce through apprenticeships were invited to speak. The briefing emphasized how Swiss-style apprenticeship is a proven and efficient model, and how the United States have a wide range of careers that are fit for apprenticeships. Professions in the field of IT, cybersecurity, administration, accounting, advanced manufacturing and many more were highlighted as examples. From Bühler Aeroglide in North Carolina, Michael Taylor, Mentor Apprenticeship Program, and Luke Fouts, Post-Apprentice, shared their experiences. Zurich Insurance was represented by Al Crook, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Jae Arias, Post-Apprentice. Kudelski in Arizona brought insights through Alain Gendre, Head of Group Human Resources, and Noemi Caballero, Post-Apprentice. Finally, the American company and trailblazer in tech apprenticeships, Aon was represented by Shantenae Robinson, Head of U.S. Strategic Partnerships.
During the briefing, the participating companies shared their experiences with apprenticeship programs and the benefits these programs have brought to their organizations. Post-apprentices also reflected on their own journeys, emphasizing how valuable the experience has been for them personally, as well as the recognition it receives from some of their peers who pursued a college education. The post-apprentices also spoke on the unique advantage of combining real-world work experience with formal education. The session concluded with the HR representatives providing concrete first steps on how companies can develop apprenticeship programs, starting with an assessment of existing skill gaps and building on that.
We are grateful to all the speakers, the congressional staff, and to Representatives Thompson and Bonamici for their work in making this briefing a success.
Business Roundtable with U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, and Department of Education
In the morning of September 10, 2025, the Swiss Embassy gathered 7 companies with proven expertise in implementing Swiss-style apprenticeships in the U.S. for a high-level roundtable with representatives of the U.S. Administration. The invited companies were Kudelski (AZ), Zurich Insurance (IL), Mercuria (TX), Acutronic (TX), Stadler Rail (UT), Buhler Aeroglide (NC), and Aon (IL) – a leading American company and pioneer in building apprenticeship programs throughout the country. The roundtable, organized at the request of the U.S. Administration, enabled a substantive exchange with the private sector on how to scale up apprenticeship programs nationwide, both rapidly and effectively.
Explore our interactive map to discover Swiss companies offering apprentice programs in the United States.
