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IT & Engineering · EFZ

IT Specialist EFZ

Develop software, run systems or build platforms — the apprenticeship with the strongest outlook.

About this profession

Develop software, run systems or build platforms — the apprenticeship with the strongest outlook. 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

  • ›Develop software and web applications
  • ›Maintain networks and servers
  • ›Implement IT security and data protection
  • ›Analyse problems and build solutions

Skills you'll need

Logical thinkingEagerness to learnEnglish (technical)Patience and precisionTeamwork

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 600 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 800 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’100 – 1’600/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’400 – 2’000/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 5/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend5/5
Adaptability5/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

ICT-Berufsbildung Schweiz reports a structural and growing skills shortage. Despite AI advances, demand for qualified ICT specialists remains very high.

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

  • Vocational baccalaureate → University of Applied Sciences
  • ETH/University via Passerelle
  • Specialise: cybersecurity, cloud, AI
  • Self-employment

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.