Top 10 In-Demand Skills in Switzerland

The labor market in Switzerland has seen many changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. A report suggests that businesses are facing challenges in recruiting enough staff to meet the growing demand. Switzerland is currently facing a skill shortage of professionals across 41 key occupations. According to the Jobsradar Report, there will be over 250,000 job openings in the country by 2025. This creates a need for skilled professionals across roles and industries. By knowing what skills are in demand, job seekers can position themselves well in the Swiss job market.

Key Aspects of Work Culture in Switzerland

Switzerland, being ranked one of the happiest countries in the world in 2024, combines professionalism and work-life balance at workplaces. Here is a closer look at some of the key aspects of Swiss work culture. 

• Punctuality: Swiss professionals value their time, showing their determination and a sense of responsibility towards their work. 
• Work-Life Balance: People in Switzerland do not compromise on their work, but they give equal importance to their personal time. Furthermore, the leave entitlement annually in Switzerland is a minimum of four weeks of paid leave. 
• Respect for Hierarchy: Swiss workplaces foster clear roles and hierarchy at work to keep everything organized. 

What Skills Are In Demand in Switzerland?

According to the industry associations, there will be a labor market shortage of almost 430,000 people by 2040. Furthermore, key sectors like healthcare, tech, and engineering in Switzerland are short of talent. The result, by upskilling or getting certified, individuals can position themselves well in the competitive Swiss job market and unlock great career opportunities in a growing economy.

1. Data Science and Analysis Skills

The need for data science skills in Switzerland is on the rise because more businesses are tapping into data-driven decision-making. Some of the popular sectors where data science is being used are financial, health, and manufacturing businesses to handle complex databases. That being said, there is a skills gap here because most organizations cannot find skilled individuals specializing in complex analysis and data interpretation. There is a need for data analysts to navigate large datasets and give insight into product development and efficiency in today’s highly technological Swiss market.

2. Healthcare Skills 

According to the Swiss Health Observatory (OBSAN), the number of healthcare and support staff should increase to meet future demands. Their report talks about how staffing requirements will rise from 185,600 in 2019 to 222,100 in 2029, which is an extra 36,500 healthcare professionals needed.

This demand is driven by several factors, such as the population needing more healthcare and a growing focus on prevention and specialization. Skilled professionals across various healthcare disciplines, including nurses, doctors, and medical specialists, are in high demand.

3. IT Skills

An SME report forecasts a massive IT talent shortage in Switzerland by 2030, with 40,000 professionals needed. This shortage is mainly due to many reasons, such as the lack of young talent entering the IT field and the fast pace of technological change.

Upskilling can bridge this gap. IT professionals can make themselves more employable and stay relevant by acquiring new skills or improving existing ones through online courses, workshops, professional certifications, on-the-job training, and networking.

4. Cybersecurity Skills

GlobalData predicts an 8.05% growth in the cybersecurity job market from 2024 to 2029. The cybersecurity landscape in Switzerland is changing fast and is driven by increasing cyber threats. Swiss companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity solutions, and therefore, the demand for skilled professionals is rising.

As PwC reports, cloud attacks are a major threat to Swiss organizations, and many lack a cloud risk management strategy. To mitigate these risks, companies are looking for cybersecurity experts who can implement robust security measures. With the market growing, there will be more job openings and higher salaries for those with the right skills and expertise.

5. Engineering Skills

The engineering sector in Switzerland is in high demand, with the need for 17,000 skilled professionals every year. As per Colorwhistle.com reports, the country is moving towards sustainability, smart technologies, and advanced materials. Hence, most of the engineering jobs are available in this sector. With the growing demand for skilled engineers and the focus on emerging trends, there are plenty of opportunities for career progression and professional development in the Swiss engineering market. 

6. Hospitality Skills

The Swiss hospitality industry is a major contributor to the Swiss economy. According to Mordor Intelligence and IMARC Group, the market will continue to grow with estimates of USD 6.05 billion and USD 6.72 billion by 2029, respectively. This is good news for those entering the hospitality industry.

Switzerland is known for its luxury, but the industry is changing. Domestic travel is on the rise, and international hotel brands are expanding. This means a more diverse landscape and opportunities for a wider range of hospitality professionals beyond the traditional high-end service. Upskilling through hospitality training can give you a head start in this growing industry.

7. DevOps Skills

DevOps is proving to be a game-changer in business operations by integrating the development and operations teams. In Switzerland, demand for DevOps specialists is constantly increasing, and the number of job vacancies may increase by 35% by 2024.

Herein lies the primary driver for this growth – tools like Docker, Kubernetes, or Jenkins that help businesses apply CI/CD practices. By learning these technologies and practices, you are in line with the demands of your Swiss employer, thus improving your chances tremendously. 

8. AI Skills

According to Statista, it will reach US$1.74 billion by 2024. This will continue to grow at a high rate, 28.16% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, to US$7.71 billion by 2030.

A report on Microsoft News Switzerland covers how Switzerland can expand its research with the help of AI. The report further talks about the potential of AI, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Henceforth, the demand for AI skills is across sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation. People with skills in machine learning, data science, natural language processing, and other AI-related fields are in high demand.

9. Teaching Skills

The Swiss education system is known for its quality; however, the country is facing a teacher shortage. The aging population is one of the major reasons. According to OSAM Formations, around 30% of teaching staff is nearing retirement age. This trend, combined with an increase in student numbers, has created a shortage of 20,000 primary school teachers over the next 10 years.

This teacher shortage is an opportunity for those passionate about education. With a focus on the aging workforce and growing student numbers, Switzerland needs qualified teachers.’

10. Financial Advisory Skills

The demand for financial advisors in Switzerland is growing due to the complexity of financial products and stricter regulations. As a result, the financial advisory market will reach CHF 12.4 billion by 2025, according to Statista. 

This is an opportunity for qualified individuals with strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others achieve their financial goals. 

Robert Walters highlights the growing demand for financial professionals in the Swiss market. By getting the right qualifications, building industry experience, and developing communication skills, you can succeed in this great career.

How to Improve Your Skills for the Swiss Job Market?

Upskill through vocational training programs or specialized courses to advance in the Swiss job market. By getting new skills and certifications, you can stand out from the crowd and pursue the career you want.

Here are some organizations that offer vocational training programs in Switzerland:

Eidgenössisches Berufsbildungsinstitut (EHB): The EBI is a federal institute offering a wide range of vocational training programs across many industries. They provide high-quality education and practical training, often in collaboration with leading companies. Their programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s job market.

Kantonale Berufsbildungszentren (KBZ): KBZs are cantonal vocational education centers that offer training programs tailored to local needs and industries. They provide practical training with local companies and various certifications and diplomas. KBZs are often well connected to the regional job market, so graduates can find a job easily.

Swiss Education Group: Swiss Education Group is a leading provider of hospitality and tourism education in Switzerland. They offer programs such as hotel management, culinary arts, event management, and tourism management. Students get practical training, industry connections, and a multicultural learning environment. If you want to work in the hospitality or tourism industry, SWISS Education Group can give you the skills and qualifications you need.

Final Words

Switzerland’s job market offers many opportunities for qualified professionals in different fields. Data science, healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity are some of the fields in demand. Henceforth, acquiring skills that match the current trends will help you gain a competitive edge to secure your desired job. With the evolving job market, it is important to gain the necessary skills to stay competent and get the right job.

Companies wanting to upskill their teams can benefit from working with corporate training providers for the latest technologies or project management methodologies. Edstellar, with its industry-focused approach, is a trusted partner for workforce development.

Their structured courses, interactive learning environments, and tools like the Skill Matrix to identify skill gaps ensure individuals and teams stay competitive.