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Construction & Trades · EFZ

Rail Track Builder EFZ

Build and maintain rails and rail infrastructure.

About this profession

Build and maintain rails and rail infrastructure. 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

  • ›Lay and maintain railroad tracks.
  • ›Follow safety rules and plans.
  • ›Monitor and service track systems.
  • ›Operate machinery and tools.

Skills you'll need

Manual dexterityTechnical understandingDiligenceTeamworkRobust healthResilience

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 3/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk3/5

Our take

Demand remains steady; automation requires adaptation, but practical skilled workers will remain essential.

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

  • Federal PET Diploma: Foreman
  • Higher Technical College: Construction Manager
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization in rail maintenance

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.