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Design & Media · EFZ

Photographer EFZ

Take photos for advertising, reportage and industry.

About this profession

Take photos for advertising, reportage and industry. 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

  • ›Analyze client needs and advise
  • ›Develop concepts and image ideas
  • ›Plan and conduct photo shoots
  • ›Digitally edit and optimize images

Skills you'll need

CreativityTechnical understandingAesthetic senseCommunication skillsAttention to detailTeamwork

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

Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.

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

Photography is transforming rapidly; adaptability and specialization, however, secure the future in this creative profession.

Sources

Early contract endings in this field

Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal PET Diploma in photography
  • Higher vocational education (HF) in design
  • Vocational Matura and university of applied sciences
  • Specializations (e.g., event, portrait)

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.