Nature & Agriculture · EFZ
Farmer EFZ
Care for animals, grow crops, run machines — modern farming with sensors and GPS.
About this profession
Care for animals, grow crops, run machines — modern farming with sensors and GPS. 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
- ›Care for animals
- ›Manage fields
- ›Maintain machinery
- ›Farm accounting
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
Farms, forests, gardens, food production — outdoors with the seasons.
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 – 950/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 950 – 1’200/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
Smart farming, climate change and structural change reshape the role. Fewer farms, but specialisation (organic, direct sales) grows.
Early contract endings in this field
Across Nature & Agriculture apprenticeships, roughly 22–30% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- Master farmer (BP)
- Agricultural technician (HF)
- Agronomy (FH)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.