Different countries, different customs - but also different education systems, career paths, opportunities, and different expertise in professions. The vocational training center IDM is interested in this diversity and nurtures international partnerships, fostering mutual exchange with various countries.
Final report by Chantalle on her work placement in ThunWork placement of Jever Apprentices in Thun
From February 9 to 27, 2026, six logistics apprentices from Jever completed a three-week work placement in companies in the Thun region and attended classes at BBZ IDM together with local apprentices. During their stay, they lived in a holiday home in Uetendorf and experienced the Swiss mountains on weekends. Further insights will follow soon. The program is financially supported by Movetia.
“The team at the hospital welcomed me very warmly and everyone was extremely kind.” Chantalle Holzner, logistics apprentice from Jever
Impressions of the EDM module for polymechanics in SpainProject Week EDM Polymechanics in Spain
From February 22 to March 7, 2026, Rino and Liam, polymechanic apprentices, traveled to Eibar near San Sebastián in the Basque Country. They took part in a two-week international project week. Although originally six participants were planned, only two places were available due to new partner school guidelines. The final presentation was attended by BBZ IDM teacher Thomas Fahrni. The program is financially supported by Movetia.
“Being able to independently find your way in a foreign working environment and exchange ideas with apprentices from other countries.” Rino Baeriswyl, polymechanic apprentice
“For me, it was amazing to meet so many different people and take part in interesting excursions.” Liam, polymechanic apprentice
Beach, exchange companies and surroundings of JeverWork placement of Logistics Apprentices in Jever
From November 3 to 21, 2025, five logistics apprentices gained international work experience in Jever, Germany as part of their professional vocational training. They explored logistics processes in designated companies and attended the vocational school in Jever. A joint excursion was also part of the program. We are already looking forward to welcoming six apprentices from Jever to Thun in February. The program is financially supported by Movetia.
“I take away that experiences like this make you much more independent in everyday life. I also learned to be more open towards people and new situations, which allows you to learn a lot.” Nico Lehmann, logistics apprentice
“It was great and I gained new experiences.” Sirak Mehari, logistics apprentice
“I had a very good work placement company (Steinbrecher in Varel). They were patient and explained everything very well, even multiple times if needed. Very pleasant and friendly. I learned a lot, especially about SAP.” Alex Büttler, logistics apprentice
Everyday school life in DublinEvaluation of Partner in Ireland
Melanie Pfammatter evaluated the Europass Teacher Academy in Dublin as a partner for education programs of bilingual teaching staff. She attended two different courses and gained valuable insights for her teaching practice. In particular, BBZ IDM can benefit from new ideas in artificial intelligence, podcasting, and streaming. Following these positive experiences, further teachers will be able to attend courses at the Europass Teacher Academy starting in 2026. The program is financially supported by Movetia.
“The course “AI / Podcast and Streaming as Educational Tools” was very practice-oriented and led by an extremely competent instructor. I learned about the current potential of AI for teaching and how AI can be used to create images, music, audio, videos, and podcasts in a very concrete way. By the end of the course, I had created a podcast about our school, among other things.”
Thomas preparing the bootcampPreparation for Robotics Competition in Gran Canaria
Last autumn, Thomas Vogelsanger traveled to Gran Canaria to prepare the robotics competition for the spring 2026 vocational baccalaureate and robotics elective course. For the first time, students from Thun will not only compete virtually but also participate physically in an international robotics competition abroad.
Conclusion from Thomas: The 2026 competition and bootcamp are defined, a new partner school in San Cristóbal has been secured, and highly motivated classes were encountered on site. In addition, the website has been optimized, find out more on www.robeurope.com . The program is financially supported by Movetia.
Newspaper article NWZ from April 26, 2018Start of Cooperation Thun – Jever
Almost 10 years ago, the BBZ IDM launched its collaboration with the Vocational School in Jever, Germany, through a logistics apprentice exchange program. Today, six logistics apprentices from BBZ IDM spend three weeks completing a work placement in Jever. In return, six apprentices from Germany visit Thun, gain hands-on experience in local training companies, live together in a holiday home, and attend classes at BBZ IDM. This exchange fosters professional growth, cultural understanding, and lasting connections. The program is financially supported by Movetia.
Participants of the robotics competition at BBZ IDM (2023).Teaching Project RobEurope - An International Robotics Competition in Vocational Baccalaureate
RobEurope is an international robotics competition where various teams from different countries compete against each other on a course. In this course, robots must accomplish various tasks, such as activating a light switch or transporting a ball into a colored area. The competition is conducted under the guidance of the two Vocational Baccalaureate (BM) teachers, Ruth Bossart and Thomas Vogelsanger.
RobEurope-Website
Swiss CoVE innoVET Summit in Alkmaar, Netherlands. Ben Hüter, Director of BBZ IDM, and Melanie Haueter, Head of Communication and Innovation Projects, with European partners (March 2022).Innovation through Internationalization - A Collaboration with European Partner Schools
Discovering new horizons, engaging in exchange, learning from one another, and inspiring each other are the focal points of the international vocational education project "Swiss CoVE innoVET" with our European partner schools. The goal is to develop structures, tools, and methods that make it easier for vocational schools to formulate an internationalization strategy and promote innovation. Simultaneously, the project facilitates accessing the expertise and experiences of other countries, as well as getting to know their tools and projects—potentially adapting or aligning with them.
The three-year collaborative project began in the summer of 2021. Two summits and two teacher academies are held annually to facilitate this exchange at all levels of the school. At a later stage, companies and professional associations will be involved.
SGAB Transfer-Ausgabe 03/2022
Our apprentices with the project managers in Jever, as well as Patrick Reinhard and Hansueli Steiner, instructors from BBZ IDM (2019)Cooperation with Germany
Logistics Specialist VET
In April 2018, the Vocational Schools Jever (BBS Jever) and the BBZ IDM signed a cooperation agreement for a joint mobility project.
The aim is to provide logistics apprentices from both countries with a three-week work placement in the respective other country. This initiative is not solely focused on strengthening professional competencies or getting acquainted with different school systems but also aims to provide a deeper insight into the life and culture of the other country, enhancing the social and self competencies of the participants.
Thuner Tagblatt, 12.03.2019 / Nordwest Zeitung, 08.11.2018
The project manager Andrea Gerber and the head of the Sewing Workshop IDM, Sabine Portenier, visiting Vietnam (2019).Cooperation with Vietnam
Clothing Designers VET
The project was initiated by IBBG with the goal of establishing, under the project leadership of the Nähwerks IDM, a network that promotes and establishes the exchange of competencies and knowledge in the field of basic textile education.
In this initiative, vocational trainers from Swiss training companies are expected to come into contact with industry leaders in the international textile sector through relevant training opportunities. The aim is to familiarize them with the diverse international textile job market. The three-week exchange program focuses on job shadowing, process analysis, and teaching activities. The expertise gained is intended to be expanded and deepened on an international level and integrated into basic and continuing vocational education in Switzerland.
Visit to the partner school SHIP in Vlora, Albania (2018).Cooperation with Albania
Automotive Technology
The collaboration represents a development project involving the Albanian vocational school SHIP (Shkolla Industriale Pavaresia), Swisscontact, and the BBZ IDM. Swisscontact is executing the project on behalf of DEZA (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation). As part of this exchange, young professionals gain insights into the world of automotive technology in the respective other country.
In addition to expanding technical, self, and social competencies, the focus is also on the intercultural experience.
Berner Zeitung, 29.03.2017
A warm welcome!
IDM – Me, You, Together
We are a cantonal vocational school with around 300 employees and 3500 students / apprentices. At five locations in the Bernese Oberland, we offer training and further education in the fields of industry, services and fashion design (IDM).
- 28 training programmes in basic vocational education
- Vocational baccalaureate for students/apprentices and professionals
- Six pre-vocational training programmes
- One training programme in higher vocational education and training
- Various courses for students/apprentices and professionals
- A technical school and production
On our homepage you will find important information about bridge courses, vocational students/apprenticeships, the vocational baccalaureate, the IDM sewing unit and vocational training courses. We hope that we have aroused your interest in vocational education and training!
Leadership Cascade
Leadership Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Collaboration
We're excited to welcome teachers and students from abroad who are eager to connect with us, share knowledge, and exchange experiences. As part of a network of European schools, we regularly organize exchanges, job shadowing, and training activities for both students and teachers.
Interested in exploring collaboration opportunities or learning more? Feel free to contact us.
Sue Lüthi, Coordinator of mobilities and exchangeSue Lüthi
Coordinator of mobilities and exchange
+41 33 227 35 30
E-Mail