Hospitality · EFZ
Kitchen Employee EFZ
Prepare simple dishes and organise the kitchen.
About this profession
Prepare simple dishes and organise the kitchen. 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 and plate simple dishes
- ›Adhere to food hygiene standards
- ›Clean kitchen equipment and machinery
- ›Organise kitchen workflows effectively
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 700 – 900/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 900 – 1’200/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
Demand remains stable; creativity and adaptability mitigate automation risks. Lifelong learning is crucial for success.
Sources
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 VET Diploma (Chef/Cook)
- College of Higher Education (e.g. Dipl. Hotelier/Restaurateur HF)
- Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
- Specialisations within gastronomy sector
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.