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Construction & Trades · EFZ

Auto Body Painter EFZ

Paint car bodies and repair damage.

About this profession

Paint car bodies and repair damage. Over 4 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Prepare vehicles for painting
  • ›Mix and match paint colours
  • ›Professionally repair paint damage
  • ›Sand and polish surfaces

Skills you'll need

Colour perceptionPrecisionCleanlinessManual dexterityDetail-orientedProblem-solving

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3–4 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.

Vocational school

1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.

Inter-company courses (üK)

Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.

Where you'll work

Workshops, construction sites, industrial production halls — often working outdoors and on customer sites.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
  • A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.

What you earn at the end

Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’150/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’550/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 3/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk3/5

Our take

Demand remains stable, though automation impacts certain processes; adaptability is key for future career prospects.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Construction & Trades apprenticeships, roughly 25–35% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal Diploma of Higher Education (BP)
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HFP)
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialisation in industrial coatings

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.