Construction & Trades · EFZ
Scientific Glassblower
Creating high-precision glass apparatus and custom instruments from borosilicate and quartz glass for laboratory research and industry.
About this profession
Creating high-precision glass apparatus and custom instruments from borosilicate and quartz glass for laboratory research and industry. 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
- ›Interpret technical drawings and sketches for custom laboratory equipment
- ›Shape glass tubes using bench burners and lathes
- ›Perform precision fusion and grinding on complex glass components
- ›Anneal finished glass products in kilns to remove internal stress
Skills you'll need
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 4/5Our take
As scientific research demands increasingly unique, custom-made experimental setups, human skill in glass manipulation remains irreplaceable by machines.
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
- Master Glassblower Certification
- Advanced Federal Diploma in Engineering
- Bachelor in Materials Science
- Specialist in High-Vacuum Technology
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.