In a world of work that is changing at an ever-faster pace, a recognised vocational qualification is a sound investment. If you are an adult and do not yet hold a qualification, you can obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) at ISS through catch-up training under Article 32. Here you can find out everything you need to know.
It’s never too late to pursue vocational training, and there are good reasons to do so: You’ll receive official recognition of your professional skills, can pursue targeted continuing education, and open up new career opportunities. But how does this process work? What challenges and opportunities does the path to an EFZ entail? Salvatore Palermo has successfully navigated this journey. In the summer of 2024, he successfully completed his vocational training as a building cleaner (EFZ) under Art. 32, and since the beginning of the year, he has been the site manager for Cleaning East in Unterentfelden, Aargau.
In a conversation with Brigitte Hotz, Head of Talent Management at ISS, he shares his first-hand insights. He talks about his experiences and the challenges he had to overcome along the way, as well as the professional and personal benefits the EFZ has brought him.
SALVATORE PALERMO
has been with ISS since 2012. He has gained experience in various areas, working as an assistant gardener, transportation manager, cleaning staff member, and cleaning team leader. Together with Nafije Aliji, he now leads a team of 101 employees as Site Manager for Cleaning East.
BRIGITTE HOTZ
has headed the Training and Continuing Education division at ISS Switzerland since 2008. A trained HR specialist, she holds postgraduate degrees in psychosocial management, career coaching, and educational management.
BRIGITTE: Why did you decide to complete your apprenticeship certificate?
SALVATORE: The idea of getting my EFZ had always been there. In 2012, I was working as a cleaning staff member at Zofingen Hospital under the supervision of Adhurim Ahmetaj. Thanks to my hard work, I was then able to take on the position of cleaning team leader. For several years, Adhurim tried to convince me to pursue catch-up training under Art. 32, but unfortunately, when I was younger, I wasn’t interested in that and wanted to do anything but go through an apprenticeship. Then, in 2020, my daughter Noelia was born. From that point on, my outlook on life changed: I want to be a role model for my children.
BRIGITTE: How did the people around you react?
SALVATORE: The reactions were very positive, especially considering that I enrolled in a catch-up training program for the EFZ at age 35 and actually saw it through. My family was incredibly supportive. When the final exam was coming up, my wife took the kids on vacation for a week so I could prepare for the exam.
BRIGITTE: What were the biggest challenges?
SALVATORE: I think the biggest challenge in adult education is, first of all, enrolling - which can be daunting. So the first hurdle was overcoming that fear. Second, staying focused and putting what I learned into practice whenever possible - because that’s how you understand the connections between the different subjects. And third, staying consistent: When you have to study, you have to study - even if you now have two kids and are working full-time.
BRIGITTE: How did ISS support you?
SALVATORE: ISS provided us with the space and time we needed to study. I really appreciated that, since it allowed us to discuss any questions we had directly with our supervisor or other colleagues. We were also able to prepare thoroughly for the practical aspects of the job at ISS and familiarize ourselves with the various pieces of equipment under professional guidance. I’d especially like to thank Adhurim Ahmetaj and Francisco Musa, who have always supported me along the way.
BRIGITTE: What has changed for you since then?
SALVATORE: A lot has changed, both personally and professionally. On January 1, 2025, I was able to take on the position of Site Manager for Cleaning in Aargau, which also led to a higher salary.
BRIGITTE: Would you do it the same way again today?
SALVATORE: Absolutely! Having an EFZ opens doors that I previously thought were out of reach. And suddenly, I find joy in learning and exploring new things.
BRIGITTE: What are your next plans?
SALVATORE: Next, I’d like to aim for the position of Facility Services Manager. Until then, I want to gain more experience and, in the meantime, pass the professional examination to become a Cleaning Technology Specialist with a Federal Certificate. Thanks to my experienced colleagues at ISS, I’m confident that I’ll succeed.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EFZ CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO ART. 32 OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING ORDINANCE (BBV)
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Language Skills
You need good oral and written proficiency in the national language (at least level B1). You should take a language test before registering.
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Work Experience
You must have a total of at least five years of professional experience, including three years in your trade. This means that by the start of the training program, you must have worked for at least three years, including one year in cleaning or building maintenance.
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Willingness to Learn and Time Commitment
– The first year of the apprenticeship is skipped; the material is covered in the second year.
– You’ll need to be a quick learner and be willing to study at home as well.
– Preparing for the final exam is demanding and requires a lot of perseverance.
– Your personal life will be limited - support from those around you is important.
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Preparation for the Final Exam
Attending school and inter-company courses is optional but recommended.
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Important Steps Before Registration
– An aptitude assessment is recommended and can be booked at training@iss.ch.
– Talk to your supervisor and fill out the form for vocational training and continuing education.
– Enrollment is handled through the Vocational Information Center (BIZ) in your place of residence. Written confirmation from the BIZ allows you to register at the school.