This increase is explained by the good economic situation of the division and the significant production needs.

The watch industry will have to train or recruit 3,835 employees by 2026. According to a survey by the employers' convention of the Swiss watch industry, this sector will experience a marked increase in its workforce needs.

This increase is explained by the good economic situation of the branch and the significant production needs, explained Monday the employers' agreement which assumes responsibility for vocational training. Its business survey provides information on qualified personnel needs over the next five years.

The increase in workforce needs for the benefit of initial training in the branch planned for 2026 is much higher than that analyzed in the previous survey of 2016. This represents 1,466 new positions to which must be added the replacement of 2,369 retirements.

The challenge is therefore to attract enough young people to meet the needs. The promotion of technical professions and dual training as a whole is a priority for companies. Projects have emerged in recent years to demonstrate both the diversity and attractiveness of the branch's professions.

With the results of this survey, the employers' agreement believes that it is in a position to put in place the necessary measures in terms of vocational training to ensure the balance between supply and demand.

In previous surveys, we predicted the imminent disappearance of certain trades in favor of the automation of operations, recalls the employers' agreement. But the observation is different: new skills have come to enrich the initial training and allow the use of these new technologies.