Zurich Training Association

What Zurich Training Association does

Zürcher Lehrbetriebsverband ICT (ZLI / Zurich Training Association) is a non-profit association (Verein) founded on February 1, 1995, serving as the designated cantonal Organization of the Labour Market (OdA) for ICT professions in Canton Zurich, Switzerland. The organization is the institutional carrier for all four ICT vocational training programs in the canton — Informatiker/in EFZ, ICT-Fachfrau/ICT-Fachmann EFZ, Entwickler/in digitales Business EFZ, and Mediamatiker/in EFZ — and operates from a single headquarters and training center at Edenstrasse 20, 8045 Zürich. The board includes representatives from major Swiss enterprises including UBS, UMB AG, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, and ZHAW School of Engineering, underscoring its embedded position in the regional ICT employer ecosystem.

ZLI's core product is the ICT Basislehrjahr, an outsourced first-year apprenticeship in which apprentices train at ZLI's facility before transitioning to member companies for years two through four. Adjacent offerings include the JUMPStart program (a 17-week, 53-day intensive track for ICT-Fachfrau/Fachmann apprentices priced at CHF 7,000), mandatory inter-company courses (Überbetriebliche Kurse / ÜK) delivered under a service agreement (Leistungsvereinbarung) with the Canton, and trainer certification courses (Berufsbildnerkurs, Praxisbildnerkurs). The ICT Academy provides adult continuing education in photography, design, IT, management, and video production. Underlying technology comprises the Moodle learning management system, Jitsimeet video conferencing, and a VMware-based BYOD virtualization environment for hands-on IT training. ZLI holds eduQua quality certification for adult education.

Revenue is generated through a combination of recurring membership fees (CHF 720/year for business members, CHF 140/year for individuals), training and course fees (CHF 250 to CHF 14,000 depending on program), consulting services (CHF 150/hour), and facility rental income. Member companies drive a community-led GTM model supported by Fachgruppen (expert groups), regional ICT skills championships, and an annual graduation ceremony at Swiss Life Arena. The organization does not disclose financial results; with a staff of approximately 20+ and a strictly single-canton footprint, ZLI operates as a regulated quasi-monopoly infrastructure provider for the Swiss dual vocational education system rather than a venture-scalable enterprise.

Name

Zurich Training Association

Legal name

Zürcher Lehrbetriebsverband ICT

Website

https://zli.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Zürcher Lehrbetriebsverband ICT (ZLI) is the designated cantonal vocational training body (OdA) for ICT professions in Canton Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1995 as a non-profit association, it delivers outsourced first-year ICT apprenticeships, mandatory inter-company courses, trainer certification, and adult continuing education to ICT member companies and apprentices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training and Professional Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobile, Web & UI Engineering (Frontend, Backend, APIs, Mobile) (EDABAFAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Learning & Development (L&D) & Training Management (EDABAIAC)

Keywords

• Vocational training services
• ICT apprenticeship programs
• Professional association services
• Adult continuing education
• Trainer certification courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Zurich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from ICT companies (CHF 720 per business member) and individual members (CHF 140 per individual member). Members receive discounts on courses, advisory services, and priority access to ZLI programs. Membership is the primary ongoing revenue stream and grants companies voting rights and access to ZLI's full range of services.
2. Training and Course Fees: Revenue from delivering training programs including ICT Basislehrjahr (outsourced first year), JUMPStart, Berufsbildnerkurs, Praxisbildnerkurs, ICT Academy courses, and overbetriebliche Kurse (ÜK). Pricing varies by program and membership status. These are the primary revenue-generating services, with courses priced at CHF 250–14,000 depending on duration and type.
3. Consulting and Advisory Services: Business coaching, career counseling, IPA/VPA formulation reviews, and general advisory services around ICT apprenticeships. Charged at CHF 150 per hour for most consulting services. These services support member companies and apprentices throughout the training lifecycle.
4. Facility Rental: Rental of training rooms, seminar spaces, and meeting rooms at ZLI's facility. Training rooms without PCs: CHF 400 (half-day) / CHF 600 (full-day); with PC workstations: CHF 600 (half-day) / CHF 850 (full-day); small meeting room: CHF 50/hour; large meeting room: CHF 100/hour.
5. JUMPStart Apprenticeship Program: 53-day intensive ICT Fachmann/Fachfrau first-year apprenticeship module priced at CHF 7,000, covering approximately 17 weeks of training before the apprentice transitions to the member company for the remainder of the apprenticeship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ZLI is a non-profit professional association and vocational training provider that delivers ICT apprenticeship education, mandatory inter-company courses, adult continuing education, trainer certification programs, and career/business coaching services for member companies and apprentices in Canton Zurich. The organization operates as the designated cantonal Organization of the Labour Market (OdA) for ICT professions, running a physical training center where first-year apprentice training, certified trainer courses, multimedia exam preparation, and rented training facilities are offered.

Product overview

Zurich Training Association (ZLI) is a vocational training association and professional association (OdA) for ICT professions in Canton Zurich. The organization operates as a platform-plus-services model offering: (1) the ICT Basislehrjahr base year program for first-year apprentices combined with JUMPStart specialized tracks; (2) the ICT Academy for adult continuing education; (3) Berufsbildnerkurs and Praxisbildnerkurs trainer certification courses; (4) inter-company courses (ÜK) as the third learning location in the dual system; and (5) career counseling and business coaching services. The portfolio includes four ICT apprenticeship tracks (Entwickler/in digitales Business EFZ, Informatiker/in EFZ, ICT-Fachfrau/ICT-Fachmann EFZ, Mediamatiker/in EFZ), plus the Multimedia Content Creator federal examination preparation. The association also organizes ICT Berufsmeisterschaften championships and ICT Berufsabschluss graduation ceremonies, while the facility offers room rentals for external training needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ICT Basislehrjahr A first-year ICT apprenticeship program where apprentices learn foundational skills (PC basics, networking, Linux, application and platform development, mediamatics) at the ZLI training center before transitioning to a member company for years two through four. Integrates mandatory inter-company courses (ÜK) and is recognized throughout Canton Zurich. Targeted at ICT member companies and their apprentices.
• JUMPStart A 17-week specialized program for ICT-Fachfrau/ICT-Fachmann apprentices consisting of 53 training days, providing structured foundational skills before the apprentice transitions to the member company for the remainder of the 3-year apprenticeship. Priced at CHF 7,000 for the complete program (Parts 1 and 2 combined).
• Überbetriebliche Kurse (ÜK) Mandatory inter-company courses that form the third learning location in the Swiss dual apprenticeship system, conducted by ZLI on behalf of Canton Zurich for all ICT apprentices. These courses are legally required for apprentices in Informatiker/in EFZ, ICT-Fachfrau/ICT-Fachmann EFZ, Entwickler/in digitales Business EFZ, and Mediamatiker/in EFZ tracks.
• ICT Academy Continuing education program for adult professionals covering photography, design, information technology, management, and video production. Includes half-day courses (CHF 250–480), full-day courses (CHF 760–950), 40-lesson courses (CHF 1,600), and customized corporate workshops tailored to specific company needs. Minimum 7, maximum 16 participants per course.
• Berufsbildnerkurs Mandatory 5-day certification course for vocational trainers covering basics of vocational education, youth in apprenticeship age, health and safety, training planning, and evaluation. Required for ICT professionals to legally train apprentices (Article 44 BBV). Priced at CHF 700 for firm members and CHF 750 for non-members, with CHF 250 canton subsidy available (net cost CHF 450 for members). Recognized throughout Switzerland.
• Praxisbildnerkurs Modular training for practical workplace trainers (Praxisbildner/innen) covering topics such as digital tools, digital ethics/KI, understanding youth, and life skills support. Costs CHF 300 per day course (with CHF 150 canton subsidy during pilot phase). Leads to certification as 'Praxisbildner/in' after completing mandatory and elective modules.
• Multimedia Content Creator Federal professional examination preparation program (eidgenössischer Fachausweis) for audiovisual content production, covering concept to publication. Costs CHF 14,000 for two semesters (paid semester-wise in advance), with up to 50% of costs refunded by the Swiss Confederation. Exam fee charged separately.
• Business Coaching Professional coaching services for companies, managers, employees, and apprentices to navigate professional challenges, supported by Swiss Coaching Association (SCA) certified coaches. Targeted at ICT member companies and their staff.
• Laufbahnberatung ICT Career counseling service for individuals seeking to enter or transition within ICT professions, including application document review services. Priced at CHF 150/hour for advisory services, with first consultation free for members (30 min) and non-members (10 min).
• Räume mieten (Training and Meeting Room Rental) Rental of modern training facilities at ZLI's Edenstrasse 20 location in Zurich. Training rooms without PCs: CHF 400 half-day / CHF 600 full-day; with PC workstations (BYOD): CHF 600 half-day / CHF 850 full-day (max 24 participants). Meeting rooms: CHF 50/hour (4 seats) or CHF 100/hour (10 seats). Includes WLAN, whiteboard, flipchart, projector, visualizer, and 65-inch touchscreen with WePresent.
• ICT Berufsmeisterschaften Annual regional ICT professional championships held in Canton Zurich. Includes skills competitions in Software Development, Cloud Computing, Mediamatics, Web Design, and Cyber Security. Winners qualify for national ICTSkills championships and ultimately WorldSkills competitions. Open to ICT apprentices from member companies.
• ICT Berufsabschluss Annual graduation ceremony held each July at Swiss Life Arena Zürich-Altstetten, honoring top-performing ICT apprentices and IPA candidates from the qualification procedure. Reinforces ZLI's role in the ICT professional community and celebrates member company apprenticeship outcomes.
• Höhere Berufsbildung Higher vocational education pathway including federal proficiency certificates (Fachausweis) and federal diplomas in various ICT specializations. Provides the next-step career development track for ICT professionals who completed their EFZ apprenticeship.

Quantifiable outcome

• JUMPStart: 53 training days / 17 weeks of structured ICT-Fachfrau/Fachmann training before productive deployment in member company
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OdA ICT Berufsbildung SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 1995National OdA (Organization of the Labour Market) for ICT professions in Switzerland. ZLI is the cantonal counterpart operating in Canton Zurich. ICT Berufsbildung Schweiz is the Träger (sponsor) of ICT professions and is responsible for developing national training curricula and qualifications.
• Mittelschul- und Berufsbildungsamt (MBA) Kanton ZürichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCantonal authority responsible for implementing national regulations for ICT apprenticeships in Canton Zurich. MBA issues training licenses to companies, approves apprenticeship contracts, and is responsible for quality control. ZLI maintains a Leistungsvereinbarung (service agreement) with MBA.
• Kantonaler ÜK Zentrum (Cantonal Inter-Company Training Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrated within ZLI's Ausbildungszentrum, the cantonal ÜK center delivers mandatory inter-company courses for all ICT apprentices in Canton Zurich. Operates under a Leistungsvereinbarung (service agreement) with the Canton of Zurich.
• SCA (Swiss Coaching Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCA supports ZLI in providing professional business coaching services. ZLI draws from a pool of experienced coaches certified by SCA, ensuring coaching quality standards for apprentices and member company employees.
• Talentförderung PlusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational talent support program that ZLI collaborates with for identifying and developing talented ICT apprentices. Member companies can connect apprentices to additional support and development opportunities through this program.
• PK19 and PK21 (Prüfungskommissionen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPK19 (Informatiker/in EFZ and ICT-Fachfrau/Fachmann) and PK21 (Mediamatiker/in EFZ and Entwickler/in digitales Business EFZ) are examination commissions under the MBA that conduct the Qualifikationsverfahren (QV) for ICT apprentices in Canton Zurich. ZLI collaborates with these commissions for Berufsabschlussfeier and championship activities.
• Lehrstellenförderung Zukunft ZürichminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCantonal apprenticeship promotion initiative that ZLI works with to support the creation of ICT apprenticeship positions and guide companies through the process of becoming training employers.
• OdA Sozialberufe Zürich and OdA Gesundheit ZürichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZLI collaborates with these sector OdAs on shared curriculum development for cross-sector Praxisbildnerkurs modules (e.g., demanding training phases, health promotion), allowing ZLI to offer broader professional development to Praxisbildner/innen across sectors.
• Digio AGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExternal course provider operating under ZLI's quality label. Digio AG delivers ZLI-approved external course offerings (Cyber Security Awareness, Data Protection, Home Office Security) at ZLI's training center.
• Swiss Skills / WorldSkillscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Skills (national) and WorldSkills (international) organize professional skills championships. ZLI organizes cantonal ICT Regional Championships that qualify participants for ICTSkills (Swiss championships) and ultimately WorldSkills competitions.
• Swiss Skills / WorldSkillscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCantonal ICT Regional Championships that feed into national ICTSkills and WorldSkills. Companies sponsor championship prizes and gain visibility.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ICT Berufsbildung Schweiz: National OdA (Organisation of the Labour Market) for ICT professions in Switzerland. Operates as ZLI's national counterpart and Träger (sponsor) of the four ICT EFZ professions; directly comparable in mission and governance model, but with national rather than cantonal scope.
• SIZ (Schweizerisches Institut für Informatik und Weiterbildung): Swiss institute offering ICT certifications, training, and continuing education across multiple cantons. Comparable to ZLI in its focus on professional ICT skills development and certification, though operating without cantonal OdA regulatory authority.
• OdA Sozialberufe Zürich: Cantonal OdA for social-work professions in Zurich, referenced in ZLI's data as a cross-sector collaborator on Praxisbildnerkurs modules. Same structural model as ZLI — cantonal Verein with regulatory authority over social-profession apprenticeships.
• OdA Gesundheit Zürich: Cantonal OdA for health professions in Canton Zurich, operating the same Verein/Leistungsvereinbarung model as ZLI but for healthcare apprenticeships. Structurally the closest analogue to ZLI in governance, regulatory role, and member-association model.

Others

• SwissSkills Foundation: Foundation organizing Switzerland's national professional-skills championships, with ZLI organizing the cantonal ICT Regional Championships that feed into ICTSkills and ultimately WorldSkills. Comparable in the championship/community-engagement dimension, though not a direct training competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Kalaidos Fachhochschule: Swiss private university of applied sciences with applied IT and business programs, including higher vocational qualifications. Comparable to ZLI's 'Höhere Berufsbildung' track in offering federal Fachausweis pathways, though broader in scope and operating nationally.
• Digicomp AG: One of Switzerland's largest private IT training providers, offering courses across cloud, cybersecurity, data, development, and project management. Comparable to ZLI's ICT Academy in product mix but at a multi-canton scale and without vocational/apprenticeship regulatory standing.
• Berner Fachhochschule (BFH): University of applied sciences in Canton Bern with applied IT and vocational training programs. Comparable to ZLI's portfolio in providing ICT professional development and federal-qualification pathways, though at much larger scale and with broader educational mandate.

Emerging players

• Digio AG: External course provider operating under ZLI's quality label, delivering cyber security, data protection, and home-office security courses at ZLI's training center. Comparable as a Swiss ICT continuing-education provider and a ZLI channel partner with overlapping product areas.

Regional players

• GBS St.Gallen: Vocational and continuing education center in Canton St. Gallen, covering ICT and other trades. Comparable in offering ICT apprenticeship-related services and ÜK-style inter-company courses, but operating in a different Swiss canton and therefore not in direct competition with ZLI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ZLICT
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZLICT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zli/mycompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/zlict

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zurich Training Association