“Time to shine”: the 2023 apprentice graduation ceremony

“Time to shine” was a very appropriate motto for ETH Zurich’s 42 young professionals celebrating their 2023 graduation in a lecture hall in ETH’s main building. Fabienne Jaquet, Head of Vocational Training at ETH Zurich, had encouraging words for the apprentices in her welcome address: “You have shown what you’re capable of. Now is the time to apply all your skills and talents, along with your ideas, creativity and intuition, to explore and develop new pathways”. The significance of their graduation is reflected in the ceremony’s motto: having completed their vocational training, every one of them now has the opportunity to shine and showcase their individual talents.

The final cut

A rough diamond needs careful shaping in expert hands to transform it into a valuable gemstone. ETH vocational trainers perform a similar feat, shaping the young professionals of today. In their laudation, both Fabienne Jaquet and Julia Dannath, Vice President for Personnel Development and Leadership, stressed how important these trainers are: not only do they play a vital part in maintaining ETH Zurich’s high standard of education, but they also have a pivotal role in shaping the experience and success stories of the apprentices. Thanks also go to the supervisors, without whom the training programme would not be possible. The final big thank you to all participants produced the loudest applause from the audience.

“Never stop learning from life”

Business administrator, interactive media designer, laboratory or electronics technician: the diverse career paths of the young professionals shimmer like diamonds in myriad colours. The “10 Commandments” given by Julia Dannath outlined in her speech apply to everyone, however, including: always try to be a role model, take risks, touch the hearts of others and – probably the most useful advice – never stop learning from life. After the speeches, the apprentices were celebrated in a video, and then came forward one by one for the well-deserved presentation of gifts. A sparkling and radiant group who are likely to remember this day in years to come.