Hospitality · EFZ
Restaurant Service Specialist EFZ
Welcome and advise guests, serve them and create memorable moments.
About this profession
Welcome and advise guests, serve them and create memorable moments. 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
- ›Welcome and advise guests
- ›Serve food and drink
- ›Mise en place
- ›Billing
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 800 – 1’050/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 1’100 – 1’400/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’400 – 1’800/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
Service and hospitality are human — not replaceable. Industry struggles with staffing and hours.
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
- Restaurant manager (BP)
- Hotel management school (HF)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.