Hospitality · EFZ
Cook EFZ
Cook creatively, design menus and perform at peak in a team under pressure.
About this profession
Cook creatively, design menus and perform at peak in a team under pressure. 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 dishes
- ›Plan menus
- ›Ensure hygiene
- ›Organise supply flow
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 800 – 1’100/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 1’100 – 1’400/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’400 – 1’800/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
Hospitality is cyclical, but creative cooking is not automatable. Skills shortages persist.
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
- Chef de cuisine (BP)
- Kitchen manager (HF)
- Own restaurant
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.