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Design & Media · EFZ

Graphic Designer EFZ

Design logos, layouts, visual communication.

About this profession

Design logos, layouts, visual communication. 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

  • ›Analyze client needs, develop design concepts.
  • ›Digitally create layouts, logos, illustrations.
  • ›Apply typography, colors, images professionally.
  • ›Implement visual identities, marketing campaigns.

Skills you'll need

CreativityDrawingSoftware proficiencyDesign flairCommunicationPrecision

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

Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.

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

Our take

Consistent demand despite high automation risk requires continuous adaptation and development of creative skills in this field.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Vocational Baccalaureate, then University of Applied Sciences.
  • Federal VET Diploma advanced exam (e.g. Design Specialist).
  • Higher VET Diploma (e.g. Graphic Design).
  • Specialization in UI/UX design or animation.

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.