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Design & Media · EFZ

Gilder-Framer EFZ

Make and gild picture frames.

About this profession

Make and gild picture frames. 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

  • ›Advise clients on materials and design
  • ›Cut and join wooden frame parts
  • ›Gild and design surfaces beautifully
  • ›Restore antique frames carefully

Skills you'll need

Manual dexteritySense for colour, formPrecision workCreativityCustomer service

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 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 2/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend2/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

Demand remains stable; automation risk is low. Creativity and specialization secure long-term prospects in niche markets.

Sources

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 Diploma of Higher Education (BP) in Restoration
  • Higher Technical College (HF) in Design
  • Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences
  • Specialization in gilding techniques

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.