Back to all apprenticeships

Nature & Agriculture · EBA

Gardener EBA

Simple gardening work.

About this profession

Simple gardening work. 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

  • ›Plant, care for, and harvest plants.
  • ›Irrigate and fertilize plantings.
  • ›Maintain beds and paths.
  • ›Clean and maintain gardening tools.

Skills you'll need

Basic horticulturePlant knowledgeManual dexterityTeamworkLove of nature

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

Farms, forests, gardens, food production — outdoors with the seasons.

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

Our take

Demand for basic gardening work remains stable; however, new technologies affect tools and methods.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Nature & Agriculture apprenticeships, roughly 22–30% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Gardener EFZ, CFC, AFC
  • Federal VET Diploma (e.g. team leader)
  • College of Higher Education (HF)
  • Specializations in horticulture

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.