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Construction & Trades · EFZ

Carpenter (Structural) EFZ

Build wooden structures, roof trusses and facades.

About this profession

Build wooden structures, roof trusses and facades. 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

  • ›Erect timber structures
  • ›Build roofs and stairs
  • ›Design interiors and facades
  • ›Read plans and drawings

Skills you'll need

Manual dexterityNo fear of heightsTeam playerSpatial awarenessTechnical understanding

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 – 1’150/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’550/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

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

Our take

While technology aids, skilled craftsmanship in timber construction remains vital, offering stable career prospects with continuous learning.

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

  • Foreman (Federal PET Diploma)
  • Timber Construction Foreman (Advanced Federal PET Diploma)
  • Technician HF Timber Construction
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.