Strengthening awareness for lifelong learning

Investment in the future

The changing world of work

Digitalisation and demographic shifts are changing the world of work. Many activities are changing as work processes become automated. Theres Kuratli from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) confirms the trend: “Knowledge and skills are subject to constant change. Existing knowledge gets lost or loses value, while new skillsets are needed. Developments like digitalisation accelerate this process. Lifelong learning is essential to close gaps in knowledge.” (Source: SBFI News 4/19)

Daniel Jositsch, member of the Council of States, explored the topic of rapid technological development in ZOOM, BDO's client magazine: “We're experiencing fundamental disruption every decade at the moment. This doesn’t have to be an issue per se. Looking at it from an economic perspective, new and additional jobs have always emerged in the past. By the time my 15-year-old son is ready to retire, he’ll be working in a role that doesn’t even exist today. The aspect ‘ongoing learning’ is absolutely essential in the discourse on new and flexible work models.” Kuratli and Jositsch's words confirm the old saying that you never stop learning. After all, it’s the only way to safeguard longevity on the job market.
 

How can the concept of lifelong learning be implemented?

We are programmed to learn from birth and our brains develop throughout our lifetime. So we’re fundamentally capable of learning at any age. The desire to do so is a critical factor in seizing opportunities that the future holds. Those who take part in further training and invest in their own development enjoy a higher value on the labour market – and better self-esteem. In a study on lifelong learning, the Federal Statistical Office examined the motives for training activities.
 

Reasons for professional training

• Stay up to date/gain knowledge (89%)
• Perform better at work/improve career prospects (85%)
• Personal interest in the topic (80%)
• Learn things that are useful in daily life (73%)

Reasons for non-professional training

• Personal interest in the topic (91%)
• Pleasure (78%)
• Stay up to date/gain knowledge (70%)
• Learn things that are useful in daily life (67%)

(Source: Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Neuchâtel 2018)

Education and training in Switzerland

In Switzerland, great value is placed on lifelong learning. According to SERI, participation in education and further training is considerably higher in Switzerland than in EU countries. The federal government has set the following target for the years 2021-2024: Switzerland remains a leader in education, research and innovation and exploits opportunities presented by digital transformation. The government has been offering financial support since 2018 in the form of subject-oriented financing of professional training. Participants on a course leading to a federal examination may apply for this funding. The initiative aims to relieve financial pressure for those wishing to pursue further training, and contributes to equal opportunities for all. Also at the federal level, the Federal Act on Further Training entered into force in 2017, with the aim of promoting quality and transparency of courses offered.

Education and training at BDO

Every individual needs to be committed. But equally important is the commitment and motivation of companies. Business leaders have already recognised the fact that employee training is not just a cost factor; it's an investment in the future of their company.

BDO places great emphasis on being an attractive employer. That's why we invest continuously in education and training for our people. Targeted education and training programmes, coupled with career planning, safeguards the continuity of specialist, social, methodology and leadership skills. At BDO, we offer our people internal training opportunities at specialist conferences or seminars to complement external professional qualifications. The range on offer is designed to enable even the most seasoned of BDO specialists to further their development.

Auditors and fiduciaries are required by their respective professional associations to take part in ongoing training in order to maintain accreditation and keep their knowledge up to date.  Much of this content is shared via e-learning tools or webinars.

Increasing automation and digitalisation are dominating not only BDO's present, but also our future. We are embracing digitalisation and empowering BDO people with a modern, state-of-the-art workplace as part of our efforts to achieve better efficiency, higher quality and an improved customer experience.