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IT & Engineering · EFZ

Cyber Security Specialist EFZ

Protect IT systems from attacks.

About this profession

Protect IT systems from attacks. 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 security vulnerabilities in networks
  • ›Develop security concepts and policies
  • ›Detect, repel, and document attacks
  • ›Train employees in cybersecurity

Skills you'll need

Network securityEncryptionData analysisRisk managementProgrammingEthics

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

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.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 5/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend5/5
Adaptability5/5
Automation risk1/5

Our take

Demand remains high, despite automation, as complex threats require specialized expertise, continuous adaptation is essential.

Sources

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 Diploma of Higher Education
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education
  • Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization in forensics/pentesting

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.