Construction & Trades · EFZ
Recycling Specialist EFZ
Sorting, processing, and recovering materials from waste streams for reuse and integration into the circular economy.
About this profession
Sorting, processing, and recovering materials from waste streams for reuse and integration into the circular economy. 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
- ›Receive and inspect incoming waste materials
- ›Operate large-scale processing machinery and presses
- ›Sort metals and plastics according to categories
- ›Maintain disposal equipment and specialized tools
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
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 – 1’700/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 5/5Our take
The global shift toward sustainable resource management ensures high demand for experts who can transform waste into raw materials.
Sources
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
- Disposal Facility Manager (Federal Diploma)
- Environmental Consultant (Advanced Federal Diploma)
- Environmental Technician (HF Diploma)
- BSc in Environmental Engineering
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.