Ivoclar’s site in Somerset, New Jersey has been recognized with the International Vocational Training Award certification from Great Place To Work Switzerland. According to the company, Ivoclar Somerset is the first and currently the only organization in the United States to receive this certification, which recognizes cross-border vocational training initiatives developed by the Liechtenstein-based dental manufacturer.
The Somerset facility contributed to this recognition through the launch of its apprenticeship program in summer 2025. The program marked the company’s first intake of apprentices in the United States and was designed to create career pathways for young professionals in the region.
Promoting early-career talent is a longstanding focus for Ivoclar, which has more than a century of history and is headquartered in Liechtenstein. While structured vocational education models are well established across parts of Europe, comparable systems remain less common in many areas of the United States. To address this gap, Ivoclar Somerset worked with the company’s Head of Vocational Training in Liechtenstein and a local community college to develop a program combining practical, workplace-based learning with academic instruction. The initiative was supported by the US Department of Labor and the US Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
Program Launch and Participation
Since its introduction in 2025, the apprenticeship program has enabled participants to gain experience within an international manufacturing environment while developing technical skills through a paid training pathway. According to the company, the program is intended to provide an alternative to traditional training routes that may involve financial or access barriers.
Three apprenticeship positions were offered during the program’s initial phase—one Plant Operator role and two Production Machinery Mechanic roles. Ivoclar reported that these openings generated a high number of applications.
“Somerset represents teamwork, professionalism, and the courage to innovate,” said Aleksandar Toth, Global Vocational Training Lead at Ivoclar. “This international recognition confirms that our vocational training philosophy is effective across locations and creates meaningful opportunities for young talent.”
International Collaboration
Ivoclar reported that training sites in Somerset (USA), Schaan (Liechtenstein), Naturns (Italy), and Ellwangen (Germany) collaborate to develop common training standards and share best practices across locations.
The company also noted that its vocational training initiatives have received the “Great Start!” certification for the fifth time in the Liechtenstein and Switzerland region, and for the first time in 2026 under an international evaluation framework. According to Ivoclar, the assessment scores exceeded benchmark results.
“At Ivoclar, our commitment to making people smile begins with investing in people,” said Louis Liu, General Manager. “Our apprenticeship program supports the development of young professionals, strengthens our local workforce, and fosters long-term employee retention - ensuring sustained excellence in everything we do.”
Training Approach and Future Plans
Ivoclar stated that the apprenticeship program includes components beyond technical instruction, including personal development, health awareness, team-based activities, and training for vocational instructors. The company reports that many apprentices continue their careers within the organization and may later move into roles with greater responsibility.
Ivoclar is currently evaluating the potential expansion of apprenticeship opportunities at its US locations, including Somerset, New Jersey, and Amherst, New York.
