Social media star "Der Praktikant" visits the Hightech Campus Buchs
Social media star "Der Praktikant" visits the Hightech Campus Buchs
An entire professional career can be completed within a few hundred meters in Buchs SG in the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region. This ranges from kindergarten and elementary school at the International School Rheintal to vocational school qualifications. You can continue with a higher vocational training course at the BZBS or, for graduates with a vocational baccalaureate, with a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the OST. Afterwards, you can go straight into the world of work, for example at the RhySearch research and innovation center on campus or in the innovative companies located in the neighborhood. The Hightech Campus Buchs is within walking distance of Buchs train station and is easy to reach; the bus stop right outside the door has been renamed with the name of the campus. For those who prefer to drive, there are plenty of parking spaces at BZBS and OST.
Hightech Campus Buchs: www.hightechcampusbuchs.ch
International Matura at the International School Rheintal
Fabian Egger started his visit at the International School Rheintal (ISR), where he was welcomed by two students, Nora and Kim. They showed him the modern and ecologically sustainable ISR campus, which the school moved into in summer 2023. When designing the wooden building, great importance was attached to the use of environmentally friendly materials and sustainability: from the innovative heating and cooling system with solar panels and district heating to the greening with native plants. Pupils play an active role in shaping their everyday school life and benefit from the flexible facilities adapted to their learning needs, such as music and rehearsal rooms, a quiet room, a large stage, double gymnasium, fitness room and their own library.
The International School Rheintal is the leading International Baccalaureate (IB) School in the Alpine Rhine Valley. It is a non-profit school offering an international education in English for students aged 3-19, as well as the opportunity to take a bridge year in English. Graduates receive the international IB diploma and can study in Switzerland or at renowned universities worldwide. With its offer, ISR enables a seamless transition between IB schools worldwide and contributes to the attractiveness of the region for international professionals and their families.From August 2024, ISR will also be offering scholarships for talented students from the region for the 10th to 12th school year who are aiming for an international career.
International School Rheintal: www.isr.ch
BZBS canteen: the best in Switzerland
Fabian Egger, alias Der Praktikant, met with the managers of the Hightech Campus for lunch in the canteen at the Buchs Sargans Vocational and Further Education Center (BZBS). The canteen belongs to the SV-Restaurants group and is considered by many to be the best canteen in Switzerland. The canteen's catering service is also very popular. It is booked for various regional events and meetings of the authorities.
Mensa BZBS Buchs: www.mensa.bzbuchs.sv-restaurant.ch
Practical learning at the Buchs Sargans Vocational and Further Education Center
After the refreshments, the intern surprised a school class at the BZBS and visited the apprentices in the media library during their break. Every year, the BZBS trains 3,000 apprentices in around 30 different professional fields, ranging from commercial apprenticeships to carpentry training. The institution attaches great importance to practical knowledge. For example, an in-house workshop is available for the prospective automotive specialists. There is also the opportunity to obtain a vocational baccalaureate. In addition to basic training, the BZBS is also active in the field of in-service training and prepares professionals for federally recognized qualifications. The BZBS has one location each in Buchs and Sargans as well as an agricultural center in Salez, where farmers are trained. The opening of Smartfeld on the premises of the BZBS is a hot topic. The educational laboratory offers workshops on programming, robotics, science and technology. The courses prepare pupils for the digital age in a fun way.
Vocational and further education center Buchs Sargans: www.bzbs.ch
Smartfeld: www.smartfeld.ch
Researching innovations for tomorrow at the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland
A clear highlight for "Der Praktikant" was a visit to the clean room at the University of Applied Sciences OST in Eastern Switzerland. Normally, only trained employees are allowed to enter this area. Fabian Egger was granted access with a protective suit, face mask and gloves as well as a well-cleaned camera. Cleanrooms have an extremely low concentration of impurities. They are therefore of central importance for a large number of research projects, such as the development of micromechanical components and microchips for smartphones. The University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland works closely with the RhySearch research and innovation center, which is located in the same building complex.
Since September 2020, the former Interstate University of Applied Sciences Buchs NTB together with the former FHS St.Gallen and the former HSR Rapperswil have formed the new Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences OST. Buchs is the headquarters of the Department of Engineering. The Bachelor's degree courses in mechatronics and occupational therapy will be offered in Buchs from fall 2024.
Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences: www.ost.ch
Rhine Valley Research and Innovation Center: www.rhysearch.ch
You can find out more about the Sarganserland-Werdenberg business location and living space here: www.rsw.ch
