The Berner BiCT AG could close as early as September, leaving 120 IT and mediamatics apprentices facing sudden uncertainty regarding their training positions, according to a report by the Berner Zeitung. Financial difficulties, an outstanding coronavirus loan, and a declining demand for information technology professionals in the Bern region are driving the potential closure. While the company characterizes the shutdown as a voraussichtliche Schliessung—meaning a provisional or expected closure—management insists that a formal bankruptcy is not currently threatening the business.
Financial Pressures and Shifting IT Market Demand
According to BiCT founder Armin Wyss, the company’s financial model no longer works under current economic conditions. Wyss stated that the firm continues to repay an active coronavirus loan while grappling with a sharp drop in demand for IT workers locally. He attributed this market cooling to a difficult overall economy, the growing influence of artificial intelligence, and cost-cutting measures implemented by Swiss Post and various federal offices.
The company’s training framework relies on a partner network where apprentices spend their first two years training directly at BiCT before transitioning to partner companies for practical work experience and funding. With ten trainers also affected by the potential shutdown, founder Armin Wyss explained that this established financial arrangement has become unsustainable.
Roundtable Talks and Potential Solutions for Apprentices
Despite the looming deadline, stakeholders have initiated coordinated efforts to secure alternative training paths for the impacted youths. On August 3, representatives from the Canton of Bern, BiCT, ICT-Berufsbildung Bern, and major training partners convened at a roundtable discussion. BiCT reported that these talks have produced hope-inspiring approaches to resolve the crisis.
According to the canton and participating organizations, authorities are actively organizing placements for first- and second-year mediamatics apprentices. Meanwhile, third- and fourth-year learners could finish their instruction directly within their current internship companies. To accommodate this transition, the canton plans to issue unbureaucratic, temporary training authorizations to companies that do not normally hold accredited apprenticeship status.
Did You Know? The cooperative efforts to rescue the apprenticeships also extend beyond standard tracks, with organizers actively searching for concrete solutions for students enrolled in the 10th ICT school year and the multimedia content creator training program.
Next Steps and Upcoming Discussions
Organizers have scheduled a follow-up roundtable meeting for the end of August to finalize transition frameworks. BiCT and educational authorities plan to communicate concrete updates directly to the affected apprentices and their families in September. Some of the teenagers impacted by the uncertainty started their professional training only this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Berner BiCT AG facing closure?
According to founder Armin Wyss and local reports, the company is dealing with severe financial pressures stemming from an outstanding coronavirus loan, reduced local demand for IT personnel, broader economic challenges, artificial intelligence impacts, and public-sector budget cuts.
How many learners are affected by the situation?
The potential September closure threatens the training positions of 120 IT and mediamatics apprentices, alongside ten trainers employed by the firm.
Are there any solutions in place for the apprentices?
Yes. Following an August 3 roundtable involving the Canton of Bern, BiCT, ICT-Berufsbildung Bern, and major partners, officials are organizing transfers for early-year mediamatics students, while upper-year learners may finish at their current internship sites.
Do you believe regional vocational training models need more direct state intervention during economic downturns?