A group of deans of the Panjin Vocational and Technical College (PVTC) under its vice principal Zhang Hongfu visited the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (SFIVET) in Zollikofen near Bern on 7 July 2017. The event was part of a Sino-German Project on Dual Vocational Education in Panjin. Project Team Leader Zhang Yaowen also joined the visit at SFIVET.
The delegation was received by Eric Swars, Head of International Relations. He provided insights into the dual VET system of Switzerland and its differences to the German dual system, into the education of TVET teachers and masters, and into TVET research and vocational development, tasks his institution is in charge of. In May 2017, SFIVET already established a partnership with the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).
Panjin is a chemical and petroleum industry city in Northeast China. The Chinese government is encouraging the entire region to modify its economy. Panjin was selected by the National Development and Reform Commission as a pilot city for the introduction of a dual VET system similar to the German and Swiss systems. PVTC is at the core of the pilot project, initially focusing on the vocations of Chemical Technician, Mechatronics Fitter, and Geriatric Nurse.
