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IT & Engineering · EFZ

Drainage Technologist EFZ

Maintain drainage and sewer systems.

About this profession

Maintain drainage and sewer systems. 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

  • ›Clean drains and pipes
  • ›Inspect pipes for damage
  • ›Perform repairs and renovations
  • ›Observe environmental regulations

Skills you'll need

Technical understandingManual dexterityDiligenceTeamworkNo fear of heights

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

Software houses, IT departments, engineering firms, start-ups and large industrial companies.

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 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend4/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

Drainage system maintenance is crucial, ensuring stable demand. Automation complements, but does not replace, skilled professionals in this field.

Early contract endings in this field

Across IT & Engineering apprenticeships, roughly 12–18% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal PET Diploma: Drainage Professional
  • Higher Vocational College: Technician HF Civil Engineering
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization: Sewer robot control

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.