Commercial diploma further education with VSH diploma: experience and information from principal Jürg Koch - he provides information on how to make the switch to the office a success

Who are you and what is your role?

Portrait-Foto Jürg Koch
Jürg Koch, Head of School and Site Manager
Minerva Baden

My name is Jürg Koch and I work at Minerva. In Baden, I am head of school and site manager. I am also responsible for further training products at Minerva Switzerland.

Who is the target group of the part-time business school?

The target group of the part-time commercial school leading to the VSH commercial diploma are people from the business world without a commercial background. This could be people from the retail trade, for example, with an initial commercial/industrial training who would like to switch to the office on the one hand and acquire commercial knowledge for their current or future job at a higher hierarchical level on the other. After a commercial diploma, a switch to the office is no longer compulsory, as was perhaps the case in the past, but I can also continue to develop in my original profession. For example, you can continue to work as a craftsman and develop to another level (possibly with a management function) without actually switching to the office.

Ausbildung Handelsdiplom VSH

What is the difference between the VSH or Edupool trading diploma?

With the VSH commercial diploma, I can seamlessly switch to further training as an accounting clerk, higher business diploma or business college. I don't need a Delta course to make the switch. Such training courses are a six-month specialization that is required for other business diplomas in order to make the transfer possible.

Handelsdiplom-Weiterbildung

How important do you consider VSH to be? Is it comparable to a commercial apprenticeship?

The VSH commercial diploma is recognized by the Swiss Trade Association - this can also be seen from the stamp and signature on the respective diplomas. The association recognizes this as an equivalent training course to the KV. However, the training does not yet include an internship, which of course distinguishes it from a commercial apprenticeship, for example.

VSH-Diplom

In your opinion, what significance does Minerva have as a business school?

We offer the VSH part-time commercial diploma at several Minerva locations. This is offered in different time models. With the Monday evening and Saturday model, there is also the option of hybrid lessons in the evening - as traveling to school during the week in the evening is often associated with stress and deadline pressure. This means you can log in from anywhere and connect with the classroom. It is also possible to switch to Monday mornings and Saturdays. Another advantage is that if you move to another Minerva location, for example, you can continue your training for the commercial diploma.

Wechsel ins Büro

Are there admission requirements for the VSH Diploma exam?

The admission requirements for the commercial diploma course are generally initial training - this can be in retail or a commercial/industrial sector. Graduates must be at least 18 years old for the examination. These are the criteria specified by the VSH that must be met in order to attend the commercial school. However, the school management can decide on exceptions.

What is taught in the commercial diploma continuing education program?

The VSH is constantly rethinking the commercial diploma training program and adapting it to current market conditions. The following content is currently taught:

  • Manage material
  • Advise customers
  • Process orders
  • Implement marketing and public relations measures
  • Perform personnel administration tasks
  • Executing financial processes
  • Perform administrative and organizational activities

How do commercial diploma exams work?

The examination subjects are:

  • German
  • Foreign languages: French and English
  • Economy + Society
  • Project work

The modules are completed individually, directly after what has been learned. There is therefore no final examination covering all subjects as a commercial diploma examination. This simplifies the final exams and the learning effort, as subjects do not have to be completed together.

Commercial diploma jobs: What are typical jobs with a commercial diploma?

Commercial diploma jobs are mostly in the office, so you have a good chance of moving into the office with this degree. Even if it is perhaps a little more difficult today than in the past, it is still possible. We hear this again and again from our former students. Others are able to develop into new roles in their traditional profession. All feedback shows us that the diploma clearly adds value for graduates.

Handelsschule Minerva

What is the trading diploma salary?

The VSH qualification also provides opportunities for further financial development, as one year of additional knowledge has been acquired. These acquired skills cover everyday office work. This means that the commercial diploma salary is certainly higher than the previous salary due to the KV-related further training.

Commercial diploma - what now: What further training opportunities are there for commercial diplomas?

The commercial diploma further development opportunities with the VSH qualification enable graduates to cope with everyday office life. This enables them to make the transition from another initial training program to the office. In an office job, you can carry out administrative work independently. This also makes it possible to manage an office or secretariat independently. Of course, there are also development opportunities through further training. During the commercial diploma training, participants can also identify their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on their strengths and interests, they can then continue their development in accounting, human resources or sales etc. at clerk level.

Handelsdiplom Prüfungen

Why attend further training at Minerva?

The advantages of attending the VSH commercial diploma course at Minerva are

  • The qualification is an association qualification - i.e. recognized by the VSH (Association of Swiss Business Schools).
  • Direct entry into clerk training courses possible without Delta training.
  • As the training is carried out at several Minerva locations, it is possible to change location, e.g. due to a change of job or place of residence.
  • We have a high recommendation rate after graduation, which in my opinion also confirms the attractiveness of the degree and our good "part-time commercial diploma" offer.
  • All Minerva locations have good transport connections.

Overview of "VSH Commercial Diploma" providers