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Business & Administration · EBA

Office Assistant EBA

Simple office and administrative tasks.

About this profession

Simple office and administrative tasks. Over 2 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 Certificate (EBA).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Process incoming mail and emails
  • ›Handle phone calls and greet visitors
  • ›Maintain simple correspondence and filing
  • ›Data entry and list maintenance

Skills you'll need

Organizational skillsDiligenceGood communicationBasic computer skillsTeamwork

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

Offices, banks, insurers, public administration, larger companies of any sector.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school. The EBA is a strong fit for hands-on learners; close support during the apprenticeship is built in.
  • 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 Certificate (EBA) — a recognised qualification with a clear path to bridge into a 3-year EFZ apprenticeship (often shortened).

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.

Future-readiness

Score 2/5
At riskElevated risk
Demand trend2/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk4/5

Our take

Office assistants remain in demand as human interaction and flexible support are essential despite automation, making adaptability crucial for future roles.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Business & Administration apprenticeships, roughly 12–18% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Commercial Employee EFZ (shortened)
  • Specializations in administration or reception
  • Federal professional examination (e.g. administrator)
  • Higher technical college with bridge course

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.