Nature & Agriculture · EFZ
Gardener EFZ
Grow plants or design and care for gardens.
About this profession
Grow plants or design and care for gardens. 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
- ›Sow, prick out, and pot plants
- ›Design and plant gardens
- ›Care for and protect plants
- ›Advise clients and prepare quotes
Skills you'll need
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 (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 950 – 1’200/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’300 – 1’700/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 4/5Our take
The profession remains relevant, driven by increasing demand for green spaces and adaptation to new technologies, despite some automation trends.
Sources
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
- Federal professional examination (e.g. Master Gardener)
- Higher vocational school for horticulture
- Vocational baccalaureate and university of applied sciences
- Specialization (e.g. tree care, organic gardening)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.