Retail · EFZ
Retail Clerk EFZ
Selling, advising and presenting goods in shops of all kinds.
About this profession
Selling, advising and presenting goods in shops of all kinds. Over 3 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
- ›Advise customers
- ›Present and restock goods
- ›Operate the till
- ›Support the online shop
Skills you'll need
A typical week as an apprentice
Host company
3 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
Shops, department stores, specialist boutiques and the related online operations.
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 750 – 900/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 950 – 1’150/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’300 – 1’600/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 2/5Our take
E-commerce and self-checkout strongly reshape retail. Advice-heavy segments (fashion, sport, organic) stay stable; classic point-of-sale roles are shrinking.
Early contract endings in this field
Across Retail apprenticeships, roughly 25–32% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- Retail specialist (BP)
- Vocational baccalaureate
- Branch management
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.