Business & Administration · EFZ
Commercial Employee EFZ
Switzerland's most popular apprenticeship: office work, administration, customer service and digital processes across many industries.
About this profession
Switzerland's most popular apprenticeship: office work, administration, customer service and digital processes across many industries. 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
- ›Advise and support customers
- ›Handle correspondence and documents
- ›Accounting and administration tasks
- ›Use digital tools and ERP systems
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
Offices, banks, insurers, public administration, larger companies of any sector.
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 – 1’700/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
Classic office tasks are increasingly automated, but the apprenticeship gives a broad foundation across industries with strong further-education options. The 2023 reform emphasises digital and interpersonal skills.
Early contract endings in this field
Across Business & Administration 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 (BM)
- Higher Professional Education (HF)
- University of Applied Sciences
- Specialise: HR, Finance, Marketing
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.