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Retail · EFZ

Druggist EFZ

Advise and sell natural remedies and health products.

About this profession

Advise and sell natural remedies and health products. 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

  • ›Advise customers on health products
  • ›Sell natural remedies and cosmetics
  • ›Manage inventory and stock
  • ›Prepare custom blends and teas

Skills you'll need

Customer focusNatural health interestAdvisory skillsSales acumenDiligenceCommunication

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

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 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 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend4/5
Adaptability4/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

The profession remains stable despite online retail, as personalised advice and product selection are valued, and automation is limited.

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

  • Federal professional examination (e.g., Druggist with Federal Diploma)
  • Advanced Federal diploma (e.g., Pharmaceutical Assistant HFP)
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences (e.g., Pharmacy)
  • Specialization in areas like nutrition

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.