Design & Media · EFZ
Sign & Display Designer EFZ
Make outdoor advertising and signage.
About this profession
Make outdoor advertising and signage. 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
- ›Design graphics and lettering digitally
- ›Apply lettering to vehicles and buildings
- ›Produce promotional items and signs
- ›Cut and print various materials
Skills you'll need
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 3/5Our take
Demand for visual communication remains strong, but digital transformation requires continuous learning for adaptability and sustained relevance.
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 Diploma of Higher Education (e.g., Sign Designer)
- Higher Technical College (HF)
- Vocational Baccalaureate, then University of Applied Sciences
- Specialization in digital advertising solutions
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.