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Nature & Agriculture · EFZ

Miller EFZ

Process grain into flour and animal feed using modern milling technology and automated systems for food safety.

About this profession

Process grain into flour and animal feed using modern milling technology and automated systems for food safety. 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

  • ›Operate and monitor fully automated grinding and mixing plants
  • ›Analyze grain quality in the laboratory prior to processing
  • ›Maintain mechanical conveying and cleaning systems
  • ›Control refinement processes for specialized food and feed products

Skills you'll need

Technical proficiencyHygiene standardsAnalytical thinkingManual dexterityQuality control

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

Farms, forests, gardens, food production — outdoors with the seasons.

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 – 1’700/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability4/5
Automation risk4/5

Our take

Milling is highly automated, but specialized human expertise is essential for quality control and managing global food supply stability.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Nature & Agriculture apprenticeships, roughly 22–30% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal Diploma in Milling Technology
  • Advanced Federal Diploma (Master Miller)
  • Degree in Food Technology (UAS)
  • Specialization in industrial grain processing

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.