Petition richtet sich an:
VSSU (Verband Schweizerischer Sicherheitsdienstleistungs-Unternehmen) and State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI / SBFI)
Addressed to
VSSU (Verband Schweizerischer Sicherheitsdienstleistungs-Unternehmen)
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI / SBFI)
Switzerland has become a major hub for international technology companies and critical infrastructure. Global firms such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Meta, and IBM are investing billions of Swiss francs in infrastructure, operations, and long-term growth in Switzerland. In these international environments, English is commonly used as the working language.
Security professionals working in critical infrastructure sites and high-occupancy venues are expected to follow international standards, communicate clearly under pressure, and respond effectively to emergencies. Yet the Federal professional qualification for security officers (FSB/SFB) is currently offered only in German, French, and Italian. While these languages are essential and should remain available, the absence of an English option creates a barrier for professionals who operate daily in English-speaking environments.
Begründung
This is not only about access to education. It is about safety and prevention. The tragic fire in Crans-Montana demonstrated how quickly incidents in high-occupancy venues can become fatal when prevention or emergency response fails. In critical infrastructure and other high-risk environments, language barriers can delay decisions, reduce clarity, and increase risk to human life.
At the same time, Switzerland’s universities already reflect international realities, with many degree programs offered fully or largely in English. If English is accepted at advanced academic levels, it should also be available for a federal professional qualification focused on practical safety, operational readiness, and life-saving responsibilities.
Knowledge should not be limited by language barriers. Offering the FSB/SFB qualification in English, alongside national languages, would improve understanding, strengthen security standards, support Switzerland’s international workforce, and enhance public safety.
We respectfully request that VSSU, in cooperation with SERI/SBFI, initiate:
- Official English-language learning and exam materials
- The option to complete written examinations in English
- A clear and realistic implementation roadmap
Providing an English option benefits professionals, employers, and the public, while reinforcing Switzerland’s role as a safe and globally connected country.
Yes