Ivoclar Somerset is proud to be the first and only company in the United States to receive the International Vocational Training Award certification from Great Place To Work Switzerland. This certification recognizes the Liechtenstein-based dental company’s excellence in cross-border vocational training. The Somerset, New Jersey site plays a key role in this achievement: since summer 2025, Ivoclar Somerset has welcomed its first apprentices, creating new career pathways for young people in the region.
Promoting young talent is a global priority for Ivoclar, a company with more than 100 years of history headquartered in Liechtenstein, and this commitment is especially strong in Somerset, New Jersey. While vocational education has long been well established across Europe, similar models remain limited in many parts of the United States. Ivoclar Somerset recognized this opportunity and, in collaboration with the Head of Vocational Training in Liechtenstein and a local community college, developed a program that integrates hands-on company training with academic education. The establishment of this program was supported by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
An award to be proud of
Since 2025, this program has enabled young people from the region to gain practical experience within an international manufacturing organization, develop targeted technical skills, and complete a paid vocational training program—without the financial barriers or limited access that often accompany traditional training paths. With this initiative, Ivoclar becomes the first and only company from Liechtenstein to deliver vocational training in the United States under this internationally recognized program.
Strong response at launch
The inaugural apprenticeship positions generated significant interest. Three roles—one Plant Operator position and two Production Machinery Mechanic positions—attracted a high volume of applications. This strong response highlights both the motivation and talent of young people in the region, as well as the growing demand for practice-oriented training programs that offer long-term career prospects.
“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.” Ivoclar Somerset remains the first and only company in the United States to hold the International Vocational Training Award certification.
International collaboration
Ivoclar’s training sites in Somerset (USA), Schaan (Liechtenstein), Naturns (Italy), and Ellwangen (Germany) work closely together to establish shared standards and promote the exchange of best practices, strengthening the program on a global scale. This commitment continues to deliver measurable results. Ivoclar has received the “Great Start!” certification for the fifth time at the regional level in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, and for the first time in 2026 within an international framework—an achievement in which the Somerset site takes great pride. Evaluation scores significantly 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.”
That certain extra
This award affirms that Ivoclar offers apprentices far more than standard vocational training. In addition to technical education, the company places strong emphasis on personal development, health awareness, team building, and the continuous training of vocational instructors. Many apprentices continue their careers with Ivoclar long term and later assume roles with increased responsibility across the organization.
And this is only the beginning. Ivoclar is currently evaluating additional apprenticeship opportunities at its U.S. locations, including Somerset, New Jersey, and Amherst, New York.
For more information, visit ivoclar.com.
