In Swiss vocational education (similar to career and technical education, CTE, in the US), support courses are structured interventions designed to assist students facing academic, linguistic, or psychological challenges. Their purpose is to enhance learning outcomes and promote educational equity by providing targeted support within the formal school setting. While comparable to remedial or developmental education in other systems, they are uniquely embedded in the Swiss dual training system, which combines workplace-based training with classroom instruction.
This presentation draws on findings from three interconnected studies that examine:
(1) the role of support courses in fostering inclusion and reducing educational disadvantage,
(2) their historical development and links to lifelong learning, and
(3) a comparative analysis of support measures in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and the UK.
To bridge theory and practice, a transferable conceptual model is introduced that integrates pedagogical principles, didactic strategies, and individualized support. The model provides a framework for designing inclusive learning environments in vocational education and offers insights relevant to other systems.
Findings highlight the importance of early identification, tailored interventions, and systemic coordination. The presentation invites international dialogue on how structured support mechanisms can be adapted to diverse contexts to better serve students with learning difficulties, special educational needs, and other support requirements.

Authors:
René Wüthrich, Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training, Switzerland

About the Presenter(s)
Dr René Wüthrich is a lecturer and educational researcher at the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training. He teaches vocational teacher education and researches inclusive VET, equal opportunities, digital learning and UDL.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ren%C3%A9-w%C3%BCthrich-8436b1232

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rene-Wuethrich

Additional website of interest
https://www.ehb.swiss/person/wuethrich-rene

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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