Hospitality · EFZ
Food Technologist EFZ
Industrially produce and refine food.
About this profession
Industrially produce and refine food. 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
- ›Inspect and process raw materials
- ›Monitor and control production processes
- ›Conduct quality checks
- ›Maintain and service machinery and equipment
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 4/5Our take
Demand remains stable; automation requires adaptation but opens new career fields in process optimization and monitoring.
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
- Production Manager Federal Diploma of Higher Education
- dipl. Food Technician HF
- Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences (Bachelor)
- Specialization (e.g., product development)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.