Hospitality · EFZ
Diet Cook EFZ
Cook special diets in hospitals and homes.
About this profession
Cook special diets in hospitals and homes. 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
- ›Prepare diet menus according to medical orders
- ›Consider patients' specific nutritional needs
- ›Adhere to kitchen hygiene and quality standards
- ›Ensure economic use of food resources
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
Restaurants, hotels, catering — varied shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.
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 4/5Our take
Demand for specialized diet cooks will remain stable as health and individual dietary needs grow, securing this role for the future.
Sources
Early contract endings in this field
Across Hospitality apprenticeships, roughly 35–45% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- Federal Diploma of Higher Education (Chef)
- Higher Vocational School (Gastronomy)
- Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
- Specialization in Dietetics
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.