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Construction & Trades · EFZ

Metal Construction Designer EFZ

Design and plan metal constructions technically.

About this profession

Design and plan metal constructions technically. 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

  • ›Create technical drawings for metal constructions.
  • ›Perform static calculations and material assessments.
  • ›Design detailed and assembly plans.
  • ›Coordinate workflows and schedules.

Skills you'll need

Technical drawingSpatial imaginationMetal material knowledgePrecisionTeamworkIT application skills

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

Workshops, construction sites, industrial production halls — often working outdoors and on customer sites.

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.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

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

Our take

Digitalization demands adaptability; specialized professionals remain in demand, especially in innovative areas of metal construction.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Construction & Trades apprenticeships, roughly 25–35% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal VET Diploma (BP) in Metal Construction Project Management.
  • Higher Technical College (HF) in Technology.
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences (FH).
  • Specialization in CAD/CAM or facade technology.

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.