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Design & Media · EBA

Musical Instrument Maker Assistant EBA

Assisting in the manufacturing, assembly, and professional repair of musical instruments within specialized workshops and studios.

About this profession

Assisting in the manufacturing, assembly, and professional repair of musical instruments within specialized workshops and studios. Over 2 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 Certificate (EBA).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Preparing wood, metal, and plastic components
  • ›Assembling simple modules according to technical specifications
  • ›Performing basic maintenance on instrument parts
  • ›Cleaning and maintaining tools and machinery professionally

Skills you'll need

Manual dexterityPrecisionMaterial knowledgeAttention to detailMusical ear

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

Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school. The EBA is a strong fit for hands-on learners; close support during the apprenticeship is built in.
  • 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 Certificate (EBA) — a recognised qualification with a clear path to bridge into a 3-year EFZ apprenticeship (often shortened).

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 600 – 800/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 800 – 1’100/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk1/5

Our take

Handmade quality and acoustic personalization are resistant to automation, ensuring steady demand for skilled niche assistants.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Apprenticeship as Instrument Maker EFZ
  • Specialized technical courses
  • Specialization in surface finishing
  • Employment in repair service centers

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.