Construction & Trades · EFZ
Surface Coater EFZ
Apply galvanic or thermal coatings to workpieces.
About this profession
Apply galvanic or thermal coatings to workpieces. 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
- ›Pre-treat and clean surfaces
- ›Prepare and monitor galvanic baths
- ›Coat and finish workpieces
- ›Perform and document quality controls
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
Workshops, construction sites, industrial production halls — often working outdoors and on customer sites.
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 2/5Our take
This evolving field demands skilled professionals for specialized processes; automation requires adaptability and continuous skills development.
Sources
Early contract endings in this field
Across Construction & Trades apprenticeships, roughly 25–35% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- Federal PET Diploma (BP) as Coating Specialist
- Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HF) Technology
- Vocational Baccalaureate, then University of Applied Sciences (FH)
- Specialization in new coating technologies
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.