Back to all apprenticeships

IT & Engineering · EFZ

Plastics Technologist EFZ

Produce and process plastic components.

About this profession

Produce and process plastic components. 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

  • ›Monitor and control production processes
  • ›Set up machines and equipment
  • ›Perform quality checks
  • ›Analyze and resolve faults

Skills you'll need

Technical aptitudeManual dexterityDiligence and precisionTeamworkSpatial reasoning

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

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.

Future-readiness

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

Our take

Demand remains steady, but increasing automation necessitates continuous learning in new technologies and materials for future relevance.

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 VET Diploma: Plastics Technologist
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Plastics Engineering
  • Vocational Baccalaureate leading to University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization: mold making, quality assurance

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.