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How young people benefit from Swiss apprenticeships

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Three people standing around a table, looking at laptop screen. Person at left is pointing to the screen.

Jitao David Zhang (left) with his apprentices Jannick Lippuner (centre) and Giulia Ferraina.Credit: Matthew Lee

Giulia Ferraina and Jannick Lippuner, both 19, are my latest apprentices in the pharmaceutical research unit of F. Hoffmann-La Roche, a global company, at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. Both are in their fourth and final year of vocational education and training (VET), specializing in informatics and communication technology. Coaching them, just like discovering drugs, is a rewarding part of my job as a research scientist.

Giulia and Jannick attend vocational schools for one or two days a week. Besides studying professional topics, such as how to build a computer network or an app, they also acquire life knowledge and skills. These include setting a household budget, forming a family or partnership and even starting their own company.

The rest of their time is divided between working in my team as software developers for drug discovery and attending the company’s dedicated learning centre. Besides writing software that helps to find better drugs, they learn advanced informatics topics, such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), and acquire crucial skills such as project management and presentation. Within four years, they will become software engineers with industrial work experience.

Vocational education is common in German-speaking countries. At around the age of 16, teenagers in Switzerland make a choice between general education in an upper secondary school and a VET apprenticeship in one of more than 250 professions. Defined and organized by a partnership between the Swiss federal government, professional associations and individual regions of Switzerland called cantons, VET combines on-the-job training with classes in schools. Each profession has its own educational plan, which specifies a nationwide standard of skills to be mastered by the apprentices. After finishing the training, which takes between two and four years depending on the profession, and passing a final exam, apprentices receive a diploma that certifies their qualification to work or to pursue higher education. Apprentices are paid a salary, which usually starts at 600–1,000 Swiss francs (around US$700–1,170) per month and increases in each year of training.

I stumbled on the apprenticeship culture in Germany while doing my PhD in computational biology in the 2000s at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg. Until then, I had no real idea about vocational training — but I did harbour some unfair stereotypes. When I was in secondary school in Tianjin, a city in northern China with prosperous industries and booming businesses in the 1990s, vocational training was often seen as an inferior choice to general education. An apprenticeship was stigmatized as the last resort for low achievers and problematic children. My stereotypes were banished as soon as I started working with and coaching apprentices in Heidelberg. The young people amazed me with their technical expertise and diligent work, and became co-authors of scientific software and publications. Coaching them improved my leadership and communication skills, especially across cultures, because neither German nor English, spoken by the apprentices, was my first language.

I moved to Basel to take up an industry position in 2011. It soon became clear to me that Swiss people also consider the apprenticeship a respected education. Statistics confirm my impression. Two-thirds of young people in Switzerland opt for an apprenticeship, and one-third of businesses train them. Despite the trend in recent years for more students to choose general education over vocational training, high-quality apprenticeship openings remain competitive. My company trains around 300 apprentices across 15 professions in the Basel area every year. For 6 informatics and computer-technology positions, we usually receive more than 100 applications.

Giulia and Jannick are my fourth and fifth trainees. In their third year, Jannick automated a bioinformatics pipeline (see go.nature.com/49uegts) and Giulia developed several software widgets for chemists that help them to predict the properties of molecules to be synthesized. Currently, both are building a system that helps biologists to visualize and interpret omics data. Apprentices advance scientific research while honing their skills. Their education is an early-access, paid-for opportunity to gain the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that is normally offered by universities.

Giulia and Jannick learn much from solving real-world problems such as fixing a bug. They learn more from making mistakes and getting feedback in a working environment. After attentive learning followed by good sleep (the working hours of underage apprentices are legally limited to a maximum of 9 hours a day), they become capable, productive and keen to learn more.

Doing an apprenticeship is not without risks and downsides. I can imagine that, for some 16-year-olds, it must be a formidable task to decide on a profession and to become self-disciplined and professional almost overnight. Also, the quality of education can vary by profession, school and company. Moreover, some might consider apprenticeships outdated in an age of automation and disruptive technologies such as AI potentially replacing human jobs. A German friend of mine who learnt book binding had to do another apprenticeship and study to get a job as an accountant. Will my apprentices and their peers face a similar fate?

Although the honest answer to this is ‘I don’t know’, two observations make me cautiously optimistic.

First, the Swiss apprenticeship system is constantly evolving. The educational plans are updated every few years with feedback from all parties. Teachers and vocational trainers such as me meet, exchange and receive continuous education regularly. Apprentices are incentivized to explore and adopt new technologies to enhance their productivity. For instance, apprentices in information and communications technology can already use tools such as ChatGPT in their final examination, as long as they declare the prompts they have used. A springboard from classroom to career, apprenticeship prepares one for changes in life.

Second, the apprenticeship system fosters individual growth. Beyond learning from experienced colleagues and working under supervision, apprentices are encouraged to lead activities — for instance, building a website for a project or advising schoolchildren about their career choices. Besides day-to-day work, my apprentices and I are required to hold a formal discussion every semester. We examine their professional and personal development, give each other feedback (from which I learn a lot about myself) and set goals for the coming six months. Apprentices acquire soft skills such as creativity, empathy, compassion, resilience and teamwork that will serve them well in life.

I am therefore convinced that an apprenticeship, if done right, is a valuable education. The short feedback circuit between what is needed and what is taught, as well as an education focusing on self-actualization and collaboration, prevent the formation of a chasm that is sometimes apparent between academia and industry1. Pondering my own journey to become a research scientist in industry, I wish that I had learnt earlier about how to recognize and solve real-world problems, the power of knowledge gained from experience, the importance of building trust-based relationships and the fulfilment gained by focusing on the growth and development of people around me.

Like most of my previous apprentices, Giulia and Jannick both want to attend university when their apprenticeships end. Before that, Jannick is with us for another year (including a six-month company internal exchange in the United States) before undertaking his military or civil service, which is mandatory for men of his age in Switzerland. Giulia will study informatics part-time while working as a software developer at our company. Both have promising careers ahead: ex-apprentices abound among Swiss political and business leaders. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and China, are also expanding and updating vocational training programmes. The world should perhaps take more notice of the Swiss model.

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Benefit of Giant Led Screen for Advertising

In today’s fast-paced world, where competition is fierce, advertising has become an integral part of every business’s success strategy. One of the latest innovations in the world of advertising is the use of giant LED screen which also know as Jumbotron screen. These massive screens are gaining popularity for their ability to captivate audiences, deliver powerful messages, and leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will delve into the numerous benefits of using giant LED screen for advertising.

Giant LED screens, often seen in bustling city centers and busy intersections, have become a game-changer in the world of advertising. Their immense size and vibrant displays capture the attention of passersby, making them an invaluable tool for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market.

One of the primary benefits of giant LED screens is their unmatched visibility. These screens are visible from a distance, ensuring that your message reaches a broad audience. In the realm of advertising, visibility is paramount, and LED screens excel in this regard. Their radiant presence shines through both day and night, thanks to the luminous Giant LED screen technology. Even in broad daylight or the darkness of night, the brilliance of the display remains undiminished, making your content perpetually eye-catching. The ability to grab the attention of passersby at any time is a formidable asset, ensuring that your message is not just seen but leaves an indelible mark, regardless of the hour.

In contrast to conventional static billboards, the use of massive LED screens offers a remarkable level of versatility. These vibrant digital displays open up a world of possibilities by enabling the presentation of videos, animations, and live updates, enhancing the effectiveness of your advertising endeavors. Unlike their static counterparts, Jumbotron screens breathe life into your campaigns, captivating audiences with captivating visuals and providing real-time information. With the ability to adapt content on the fly, these screens cater to the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of your target audience, ensuring that your message remains relevant and impactful. The dynamic nature of LED screens revolutionizes the advertising landscape, elevating it to a dynamic, engaging, and information-rich experience that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.

While the initial investment in a giant LED screen may seem significant, it proves to be cost-effective in the long run. With the ability to display multiple ads and change content easily, you can save on printing costs and reach a larger audience.

The vivid hues and stunning high-definition imagery presented on LED screens possess an enchanting allure. They possess the innate ability to ensnare the gaze of onlookers, simplifying the task of communicating your message and etching it indelibly into their memory. These brilliant colors and crystal-clear visuals serve as a magnetic force, effortlessly pulling the audience into the world of your content. With such captivating displays, the power to convey your message becomes not just easy but remarkably effective. In an age where attention spans are fleeting, LED screens stand as a beacon of engagement, ensuring that your message not only reaches but resonates with your audience, creating a lasting imprint that endures long after the screen goes dark.

Giant LED screen are tirelessly at work around the clock, guaranteeing that your message remains in the spotlight throughout every hour of the day and night. This unceasing presence is a potent tool for amplifying your advertising endeavors, particularly in bustling, high-traffic locales. In a world that never sleeps, these screens tirelessly broadcast your message, ensuring it reaches a diverse audience at all hours. The consistency of exposure they provide is a valuable asset, allowing your brand to etch itself into the collective consciousness of passersby, whether it’s the break of dawn or the stillness of the night. The continuous operation of these screens is a testament to their unwavering commitment to showcasing your message and maximizing its impact.

Jumbotron screens provide a remarkable level of flexibility, allowing you to precisely target your desired audience. By tailoring your content to the time of day or the unique demographics of the surrounding area, you can ensure that your message strikes a chord with the most relevant individuals. This adaptability is akin to a finely tuned instrument in your advertising toolkit. Whether it’s dawn, noon, or dusk, or if you find yourself in a bustling urban center or a serene suburban neighborhood, LED screens empower you to customize your message accordingly. This dynamic approach not only captures the attention of the right people but also fosters a deeper connection, as your content aligns seamlessly with the specific interests and needs of your intended audience, making your message all the more impactful and resonant.

Certain large LED screens integrate touch or motion-sensing technology, fostering viewer interaction with the content. This interactive dimension not only enhances engagement but also boosts brand recall and customer involvement. When viewers can actively participate, whether by touching the screen or triggering motion-based responses, it transforms passive observation into an immersive experience. This heightened level of involvement creates a memorable connection between the audience and the brand, increasing the likelihood of them recalling your message and forging a deeper engagement. Interactive LED screens thus serve as a compelling avenue to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Compared to traditional print advertising, LED screens are more environmentally friendly. They eliminate the need for paper, reducing waste and contributing to a greener planet.

Digital advertising on LED screens allows for precise tracking and analytics. You can measure the effectiveness of your campaigns in real-time and make adjustments as needed to optimize results.

Giant LED screens are incredibly versatile. They can be used for advertising, public announcements, event promotions, and more. Their adaptability makes them a valuable asset for businesses.

A continuous and attention-grabbing presence on giant LED screen can substantially elevate brand recognition. The frequent exposure of your brand through these displays fosters trust and familiarity among viewers. When people encounter your brand consistently on such prominent platforms, it establishes a sense of reliability and recognition, strengthening the bond between your brand and its audience. This consistency not only enhances visibility but also reinforces the positive image of your brand, making it more memorable and trustworthy in the eyes of your target audience.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating content for giant LED screens. You have the creative freedom to design captivating and unique advertisements that resonate with your target audience.

Incorporating giant LED Screen into your business strategy can be a game-changer, offering a substantial edge over competitors. These vibrant screens empower you to stand out in a crowded market and effortlessly seize the gaze of prospective customers. The visual impact of these colossal displays not only elevates your brand’s presence but also ensures that your message resonates powerfully with your target audience. In an era where attention spans are fleeting, these LED screens serve as a captivating beacon, drawing people in and leaving a lasting impression. So, when considering ways to gain a competitive edge, remember that these monumental screens aren’t just an investment in technology; they’re an investment in the future success and visibility of your business.

In conclusion, the benefits of using giant LED screens for advertising are undeniable. They offer enhanced visibility, dynamic content, cost-effective solutions, and numerous other advantages that can take your advertising efforts to the next level. As technology continues to advance, these screens will play an increasingly vital role in the world of marketing.

  • Are giant LED screens suitable for all types of businesses?

Yes, giant LED screens can benefit businesses of all sizes and industries.

  • Can I change the content on a giant LED screen frequently?

Absolutely! LED screens allow you to update content as often as you like.

  • Do LED screens require a lot of maintenance?

LED screens are low-maintenance and built to last.

  • How can I measure the success of my LED screen advertising campaigns?

You can track performance through analytics and audience engagement metrics.

  • What is the lifespan of a giant LED screen?

LED screens have a long lifespan, often exceeding 100,000 hours of use.

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How Police Checks Benefit Everyone: 5 Everyday Scenarios

Hey there, folks! Today, we’re diving into the world of police checks, and believe it or not, they can be pretty darn handy in a bunch of everyday situations. You might think, “Why do I need to know this?” Well, stick around, and you’ll find out just how these checks can make our lives safer and more comfortable. 

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the importance of police check in detail.

1. Job Applications and Interviews

When you’re on the job hunt, you know the drill – sending out those resumes, acing interviews, and hoping for the golden opportunity to come your way. But did you know that most employers have a little secret up their sleeves? Yup, it’s called a police check. This nifty tool helps employers get the lowdown on your criminal history, if any.

Why do they do it? Well, it’s not about snooping into your personal life. It’s about creating a safe and trustworthy workspace for everyone. Imagine you’re the boss, and you’ve got a team of folks working together daily. You’d want to make sure that everyone can focus on their tasks without worrying about safety concerns.

2. Renting an Apartment

Finding the perfect place to call home can be a real adventure. You’re hunting for the right neighbourhood, the right size, and the right price. And guess what? Landlords are on their experience, too – making sure they’re renting to someone trustworthy and responsible.

This is where police checks swoop in to save the day. When you apply to rent an apartment, landlords often use police checks to get a glimpse of your criminal history. Now, don’t get nervous – it’s not about judging your character; it’s about ensuring that their property is in good hands.

3. Adopting a Furry Friend:

Who can resist those adorable puppy eyes or the soft purring of a kitten? When you adopt a furry companion, animal shelters and rescue organisations use police checks to ensure you’re ready to provide a safe and loving environment for your new buddy.

It’s all about protecting our four-legged friends from any potential harm or neglect. These checks help guarantee that the animals they rescue are placed in homes where they’ll be cherished family members. 

4. Volunteering for Good Causes

Are you feeling the urge to give back to your community? That’s fantastic! Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding. But, just like with job applications, many volunteer organisations use police checks to screen potential volunteers.

Why do they do this? Well, it’s all about creating a safe and secure environment for volunteers and those they’re helping. Whether you’re tutoring kids, serving meals to people experiencing homelessness, or working at a local charity, knowing that everyone involved has been vetted through police checks ensures that you can focus on the task at hand – making a positive impact in your community.

5. Starting a Small Business

Entrepreneurs, listen up! If you’re dreaming of starting your own small business, you’ll likely encounter police checks, too. Banks and investors often request these checks when considering whether to fund your startup.

Why? Because it’s all about building trust. When asking for financial support, you want to show that you’re a responsible and trustworthy business owner. Police checks demonstrate that you’re operating within the bounds of the law and committed to running a legitimate and ethical enterprise.

This trust helps you secure funding and fosters positive relationships with business partners and customers. It sets you up for success in the long run and ensures that your business thrives in an environment of integrity and accountability.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! Police checks aren’t just bureaucratic red tape. They’re tools that help make our lives safer, more secure, and filled with opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a job, a home, a pet, a way to give back, or starting a business, police checks play a pivotal role in ensuring that you can pursue your dreams with confidence and security. So, the next time you encounter one, just remember it’s all part of creating a better, safer community for us all.

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Enterprise blockchain: 10 reasons why it can benefit your business

Blockchain is an emerging technology with a huge array of potential applications. Blockchain has intrigued the corporate world in how it can reshape business processes. As shown by Sherlock Communications’ 2023 blockchain report, there is an increasing adherence of businesses to cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based solutions. 

Enterprise blockchain, more specifically, is a blockchain network that enables the development of private, permissioned blockchain applications for large companies or organizations. 

Unlike its counterpart, public blockchains, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, where anyone can participate and view transactions, enterprise blockchain limits access to authorized participants. 

It retains the benefits of blockchain technology while adding new benefits and opportunities, making it a valuable tool to empower businesses. According to the agency’s report on blockchain, blockchain-based services show an increased level of acceptance and adoption by Latin American businesses and organizations. 

Here, we will explore the top 10 reasons why enterprise blockchain has become so popular among businesses, and how it can benefit your business. 

1.  Automation

Enterprise blockchain automates business processes by enabling secure, transparent and tamper-proof digital transactions. This automation further provides better-streamlined tasks, such as supply chain management, contract execution and financial settlements.

These types of blockchains use what’s called “smart contracts.” These ensure automatic execution, reducing manual intervention and enhancing efficiency across diverse industries. Additionally, these agreements reduce the need for intermediaries and paperwork. 

These contracts can be viewed by all participants, which improves contract compliance. They can also trigger a specific action when predefined conditions are met, such as making payment upon delivery of all required documents. 

2. Accountability

In an enterprise blockchain, each node in the network is known and can be held accountable for its actions. This accountability provides heightened trust and transparency.

Transparent and traceable transactions not only ensure clear accountability, but further reduce the possibilities of fraud and error. Because blocks in the network can be added but not removed, this creates a permanent, real-time record of every transaction. 

Additionally, each stakeholder holds a copy of the transaction history, which provides data transparency. This fosters trust among stakeholders, enhances compliance and improves efficiency by maintaining a clear record of actions and responsibilities. 

3. Transparency and trust

Enterprise blockchain offers a tamper-resistant and transparent ledger. Closely related to the accountability provided by these networks, it prompts trust among participants by providing a single source of truth for data that further ensures transparency. 

This type of blockchain, as a private network, allows only participants to access the data. Data is further kept consistent through all nodes of the blockchain, meaning that every single network participant has access to the same information. 

More importantly, the data is impervious to manipulation. Enterprise blockchain employs cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms across multiple nodes, making data tampering virtually impossible. 

4. Security and data safety

As we mentioned above, users on an enterprise blockchain can only create and access blocks if they are authorized. This technology allows only trusted partners to access data. As a consequence, this promotes security and data safety, two key ingredients for the increased adherence to these types of networks, as indicated in this year’s Latin American blockchain report.

The cryptographic nature of blockchain makes enterprise blockchains able to ensure security by authenticating participants, controlling access, encrypting data and employing consensus mechanisms. In consequence, the chances of fraud and unauthorized access are eliminated. 

Blockchain technology creates an encrypted record that can’t be changed and is linked to the previous transaction, therefore being immutable in nature. The security and safety provided by this network further help businesses guarantee the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of transactions.

5. Efficiency

As we have seen before, the use of smart contracts on enterprise blockchains automates processes, reducing manual intervention and the need for intermediaries, thereby streamlining workflows and reducing costs. 

This level of automation allows businesses to make faster transactions. Delays are further avoided and paperwork gets significantly reduced. All of this paves the way for businesses to enhance their efficiency, as well as streamline their operations. 

Additionally, as enterprise blockchain networks eliminate the need to rely on third-party services, this can result in a significant time-saving and simplified exchange of data. All of this makes it possible to carry out faster and more efficient transactions. 

6. Collaboration and traceability

As we reviewed, enterprise blockchains enable secure and real-time data sharing among stakeholders. This facilitates collaboration, improves communication and accelerates decision-making. 

It enables multiple parties to have access to the same, up-to-date data. This presents a huge business advantage, as a lot of time can be spent reconciling data and updates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

With enterprise blockchain, businesses can access at all times the digital records to trace their specific operations. And because of the blockchain features, businesses can rely on the data, knowing it is not malicious or tampered with. 

7. Auditing and compliance

Another key characteristic of enterprise blockchain is the fact that data in the blockchain also has a verifiable audit trail. By creating an immutable, transparent and tamper-proof record of all transactions, auditing can be enhanced. 

And because enterprise blockchains provide transparent and immutable records of transactions, they help simplify the auditing process, hence minimizing errors and discrepancies. Moreover, the use of smart contracts enforces compliance rules, which enforce adherence to regulations. 

Blockchain’s traceable nature enables real-time monitoring, simplifies audits and facilitates regulatory reporting. This streamlines processes and reduces errors. Overall, it promotes trust, accountability and efficiency in meeting compliance requirements within a secure and controlled ecosystem.

8. Interoperability and scalability

Blockchain can facilitate interoperability between different ecosystems and organizations, enabling smoother data exchange and integration. It enables enhancing compatibility, data sharing and functionality across the various components of the blockchain ecosystem. By increasing visibility and ease of tracking, enterprise blockchain enables businesses to make smart and informed decisions. 

On the same line, it can easily – and sometimes even instantly – scale as needed. This enables it to handle a higher volume of transactions while maintaining security and performance within the network. 

Scalability is enhanced through mechanisms like sharding, sidechains and optimized consensus algorithms. These approaches allow businesses to distribute transaction processing and reduce network congestion. 

9. Innovation

Enterprises can explore new business models, services and revenue streams through blockchain-based solutions. These offer a fertile ground for businesses to introduce innovations.  

The modular and customizable nature of enterprise blockchains allows businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs. Moreover, because of the secure and private nature of the network, it encourages experimentation without the risk of exposing sensitive data. 

By leveraging these features, businesses can reimagine processes, develop novel applications and uncover innovative avenues that have the potential to reshape industries and markets.

10. Cost savings

When deployed properly, enterprise blockchain technology can save companies millions of dollars. This is possible as it eliminates intermediaries, reduces errors and improves efficiency.

For instance, businesses wouldn’t need to invest so much in data management and security, given the secure nature of blockchains. Companies can also save money with blockchain technology in customer identity verification. 

Moreover, blockchain eliminates intermediaries that businesses would traditionally use for transactions. No additional vendors and third-party providers can be translated into lower costs for all traders on the blockchain.

As we have shown, enterprise blockchains offer many benefits for businesses. This explains the increased adoption of blockchain-based solutions, which is also revealed in Sherlock Communications’ report on blockchain in Latin America. 

As technology matures, businesses adapt their operations accordingly to increase efficiency and output. The benefits of enterprise blockchain make it worth investing some time in researching these innovative technology solutions, and learning how your business can benefit from them as well.