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Design & Media · EFZ

Print & Publishing Media EFZ

Design printed matter and prepare for printing.

About this profession

Design printed matter and prepare for printing. Over 4 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

  • ›Understand and implement client briefs
  • ›Develop layouts and designs
  • ›Edit texts and images digitally
  • ›Verify and approve print data

Skills you'll need

CreativityAesthetic sensePrecisionSoftware skillsTeamworkOrganizational talent

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3–4 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 (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 – 1’150/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’550/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 2/5
At riskElevated risk
Demand trend2/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk4/5

Our take

The industry is evolving: creativity and digital skills are vital for future success as demand for diverse media solutions increases.

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

  • Federal professional examination as Publishing Manager
  • Higher vocational school (HF) for Technology
  • Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization in Crossmedia Publishing

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.