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Design & Media · EFZ

Ceramicist EFZ

Shape, fire and glaze ceramic objects.

About this profession

Shape, fire and glaze ceramic objects. 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

  • ›Shape and form clay objects
  • ›Develop and apply glazes
  • ›Monitor and control firing processes
  • ›Perform quality checks on finished products

Skills you'll need

Design skillsManual dexterityCare and precisionMaterial knowledge clayCreativityTechnical understanding

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 3/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk3/5

Our take

Demand for handcrafted unique items remains stable. Creativity and adaptability ensure the future of this profession in a digitized world.

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 PET Diploma (BP)
  • Higher vocational school (HF)
  • Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
  • Specializations in restoration/design

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.