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Construction & Trades · EBA

Drainage Practitioner EBA

Clean and maintain sewers.

About this profession

Clean and maintain sewers. Over 2 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 Certificate (EBA).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Clean sewers and pipes
  • ›Check sewage lines for leaks
  • ›Repair manhole covers and grids
  • ›Complete work reports and delivery notes

Skills you'll need

Technical understandingManual dexterityConscientiousTeam playerWeather resistant

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

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

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school. The EBA is a strong fit for hands-on learners; close support during the apprenticeship is built in.
  • 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 Certificate (EBA) — a recognised qualification with a clear path to bridge into a 3-year EFZ apprenticeship (often shortened).

Apprentice wage

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

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’200/ Mt.

Future-readiness

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

Our take

Demand for skilled professionals in drainage infrastructure maintenance remains stable, as this work is difficult to automate and always necessary.

Sources

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

  • Drainage Technology Specialist EFZ
  • Specialized courses
  • Federal VET Diploma e.g. sewer maintenance
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.