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Hospitality · EFZ

Hotel Specialist EFZ

Work at hotel reception, service and housekeeping.

About this profession

Work at hotel reception, service and housekeeping. 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

  • ›Welcome and advise guests at reception
  • ›Clean rooms and ensure comfort
  • ›Serve meals and beverages
  • ›Co-organize events and banquets

Skills you'll need

Customer focusTeamworkOrganizational talentFriendlinessCleanlinessCommunication

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

Our take

Demand remains stable; adaptation to digitalization and new guest needs ensures good long-term career prospects in hospitality.

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 PET Diploma: Head of Reception, Guest Relations Manager
  • Higher Vocational School: Dipl. Hôtelier/Hôtelière HF
  • Vocational Baccalaureate: University of Applied Sciences studies
  • Specialization: Event management, marketing

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.