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Construction & Trades · EFZ

Cableway Operator EFZ

Operate cableways and transport tourists safely.

About this profession

Operate cableways and transport tourists safely. 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

  • ›Operate and supervise cableway systems safely
  • ›Perform maintenance and revision tasks
  • ›Assist and inform customers, provide help
  • ›Troubleshoot malfunctions and plan rescues

Skills you'll need

Technical understandingDiligentComfortable with heightsCustomer-focusedResponsibleTeam player

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 950 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’300 – 1’700/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend4/5
Adaptability4/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

The industry evolves with automation, yet offers stable, integral, and adaptable career prospects for skilled professionals due to ongoing system complexities.

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

  • Obtain Federal Vocational Baccalaureate
  • Federal VET Diploma (e.g. Cableway Specialist)
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (e.g. Technician HF)
  • Specialization in maintenance, safety, or operations

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.