VR Apprenticeships Take Flight in Swiss Aviation

Loft Dynamics has launched its inaugural dual vocational education and training (VET) program in partnership with Ausbildungszentrum Winterthur (AZW), Switzerland’s institution for industrial and technical apprenticeships. The company’s apprenticeship program is designed to cultivate and empower the aviation industry’s future change-makers and problem-solvers. Apprentices will gain on-the-job experience at Loft Dynamics’ Dübendorf headquarters, complementing their vocational training at AZW. By blending classroom learning with practical experience, the program will serve as a springboard to a successful career, enhancing apprentices' skills and accelerating their contributions to the industry at a critical time.

While technology has revolutionized many aspects of aviation, pilot training has remained largely unchanged—expensive, limited in capabilities, and difficult to access. With the global pilot shortage and ongoing pilot safety concerns, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions. Loft Dynamics believes that fostering diverse, fresh perspectives is key to challenging the status quo and making a global impact. Through this apprenticeship program, Loft Dynamics aims to harness the passion and creativity of Switzerland’s students to tackle these challenges and leave a lasting mark on the industry.

“At Loft Dynamics, we believe deeply in the power of practical experience to drive innovation,” said Fabi Riesen, CEO and founder of Loft Dynamics. “We know it needs to be more than just training—it’s about equipping students with the tools, freedom, and opportunities to drive advancements in aviation. By blending classroom learning with real-world applications, we’re preparing them to lead and innovate in an industry that’s ready for fresh, bold ideas.”

Loft Dynamics’ program will offer a select number of apprenticeships to AZW students providing hands-on training in virtual reality engineering and its applications within aviation. Apprentices will split their time between AZW, focusing on a specialized curriculum, and Loft Dynamics, where they will gain practical experience ranging from developing VR simulation scenarios to assisting with hardware design. This training will help them develop essential hard skills, such as programming and system integration, as well as soft skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork—skills that will be valuable throughout their careers.

Loft Dynamics’ 2024 apprentice cohort, which includes three Automation Technicians, began their four-year VET program at AZW in August. In 2025, during their second year, apprentices will start working at Loft Dynamics two days a week while continuing their vocational studies at AZW three days a week. This schedule will remain in place until the end of the program. Upon completion, apprentices must pass the federally issued final exam before they can begin their careers.

Future cohorts will start every August and follow the same schedule and timeline. As the program progresses, Loft Dynamics plans to increase the number of apprenticeship positions and the variety of roles available. This expansion will give more students the opportunity to begin their careers in this innovative field.

Swiss grade school students in grades 5-7 who are interested in the apprenticeship program are encouraged to participate in Switzerland’s annual International Future Day in November.