15.11.2023
There is much that is unique about this training concept: the apprentices work and learn independently on productive projects and assignments. PostFinance’s Competence Center for Young Professionals (CCYP) has been recognized as the best training company in Switzerland. The apprentices in our video agree that there are good reasons for this.
Between 20 and 25 future IT technicians, mediamatics technicians, interactive media designers and digital business developers complete their vocational training at the CCYP. The rooms, with their colourful walls, are enough to set this center apart: in this environment where creativity is allowed and encouraged, the apprentice takes center stage. Rather than working within a team, they are the team themselves, along with their eight coaches.
At the CCYP, apprentices work independently on projects that don’t end up in the bottom of a drawer, but go live as an app, on TikTok or on the PostFinance website. Need some examples? The IT apprentices developed a simple, web-based survey tool that is now in use at PostFinance. The aspiring mediamatics technicians led a management event with video, photo and interview productions, and an interdisciplinary CCYP team is currently working on a prize draw platform for ice hockey tickets. All these projects bear the stamp “Created by apprentices”.
What I like most is that we are integrated into the production processes from the outset.
The CCYP training concept is particularly motivating for apprentices. Fabienne Hostettler, CCYP Co-Lead and Coach, explains: “With us, the apprentices are the entrepreneurs, they organize themselves, put together their own project team and take on different roles.” They are accompanied by their coaches.
As vocational trainers, the CCYP’s coaches are responsible for all administrative matters such as training reports, target agreements and target evaluations. They are also involved in the projects themselves. “This allows us as coaches to observe how the apprentices work and where their particular strengths and interests or potential for improvement lie. At the same time, our apprentices have the opportunity to learn from us,” explains Fabienne Hostettler. The coaches attach great importance to working together on an equal footing and to having an open approach to mistakes. “We want to get good results, but we also want to give the apprentices time to try things out, make mistakes and learn from those mistakes.”
The CCYP training concept is based on the traditional training plan and prepares apprentices for the final examinations in accordance with the catalogue of performance targets. “We provide basic training, but we try to specialize individually where there is interest and potential,” says Fabienne Hostettler. The CCYP’s special way of training received the “Great Place to Start” award in August 2018 as one of the best training companies in Switzerland.
The CCYP was established in 2014 to double the number of IT apprenticeships from 21 to 42, without creating an additional apprenticeship in each development team. “It was an early strategic move to address the skills shortage and fill the pipeline with young talent,” says Fabienne Hostettler. At that time, the focus was very much on IT. However, additional mediamatics apprentices soon joined the team. “PostFinance was very receptive to the option of commissioning portrait and event photography or video accompaniment from the CCYP.” Later, interactive media design apprentices joined the CCYP, and in August 2023, one person started the brand new digital developer business apprenticeship here.
We work with the coaches and other apprentices to develop applications and websites.
According to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, around two thirds of young people in Switzerland opt for basic vocational training. PostFinance’s CCYP is one of the many training centers within Swiss Post Group. It trains young people in the following professions:
Practical training at the CCYP is possible from the second year of the apprenticeship, including for graduates of the Bachelor’s degree with integrated practical training and for way-up apprentices.
Mediamatics technicians develop marketing concepts and create images, videos, graphics, animations, etc. for a wide range of communications on physical and digital channels. Practical training at the CCYP is possible from the third year of the apprenticeship (after the BiCT basic vocational training).
Digital business developers work on projects in various roles. They plan and coordinate tasks with specialists and customers and analyse business processes and data to ensure continuous improvement. Practical training at the CCYP is possible from the first apprenticeship year.
Interactive media designers develop creative concepts and create unique user experiences in the digital world through design and functionality. The CCYP is the only training center for interactive media design in Swiss Post Group. All practical training is held at the CCYP.
At the CCYP, I can organize my working day according to my needs and tasks.
“You need a certain degree of independence and a can-do mindset,” explains Fabienne Hostettler. “As we can’t guarantee one-to-one support, apprentices must show an interest and willingness to work in a team with like-minded people and to learn by sharing their experiences with others.” In return, CCYP trainees are given the opportunity to work on their own projects, based on advanced methods of working and managing projects. The CCYP also provides its apprentices with cutting-edge training in terms of technology and equipment. “When a big topic comes up, such as artificial intelligence, we look for opportunities for our apprentices to work on it through a specific project.” After all, the CCYP has the important task of preparing apprentices for the labour market.
Working here at the CCYP is a huge amount of fun.
