Starting, returning, or changing your career: Where is your journey taking you?

The OBA is the vibrant educational meeting place in Eastern Switzerland. Whether you are starting your career, returning to work or looking for a new direction, all these questions will be answered at the OBA exhibition stands. Young people can find out about around 250 apprenticeships and basic training courses leading to a Federal VET Certificate (EBA) or Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

The University of St. Gallen offers the following apprenticeships in six different professions, which will be presented at the exhibition stand:

• IT specialist for platform development EFZ
• IT specialist for application development EFZ
• Intern in IT application development WISS/IMS
• Information and documentation specialist EFZ
• Hotel communications specialist EFZ
• Maintenance specialist EFZ
• Service and administration clerk EFZ
• Intern: service and administration clerk EFZ  

Focus topic: Building technology

The motto of this year's OBA is “Building technology: your opportunity, our future”. An interactive fox trail playfully guides visitors through 14 professions, from building services engineer and plumber to sheet metal worker and refrigeration engineer. Special exhibitions will address other exciting topics, such as gender stereotypes in career choices, addictive behaviour and mental health.  

For those who are not yet sure which profession suits them, the career choice analysis offered by the apprenticeship exchange gateway.one can help. Once a decision has been made, an initial job interview can be practised on site. At the stand of the apprenticeship portal yousty.ch, young people can also find out what a modern application entails and what they should pay particular attention to. Advice is also available to all parents and teachers. A professional photographer will take application photos free of charge at the stand.    
Further information: Highlights Basic education  

Experience careers and further training first-hand

The OBA is a marketplace for anyone who wants to learn or continue their education. It brings together young people, training companies and various educational institutions, thereby making an important contribution to strengthening Eastern Switzerland as a centre of education. A total of around 150 exhibitors – from skilled trades to healthcare and tourism – will be presenting their training and further education opportunities. Every year, the OBA attracts over 20,000 visitors.

Admission is free with a ticket: olma-messen.ch/de/messen/tickets
Further information about the OBA is available at: oba-sg.ch
Further information on vocational training at the HSG: unisg.ch/en/university/working-at-the-hsg/vocational-training-at-the-hsg/

Image: OBA 2025 / foto-huwi.ch