Becoming a carpenter / joiner in Switzerland

The wood sector

• 22,000 jobs carpenter/joiner/cabinetmaker
• Wood construction booming: +8%/year (ecology, energy transition)
• Chalets and contemporary buildings in wood
• Players: Holzbau Schweiz, independent cantonal workshops

CFC apprenticeships

• Carpenter CFC: 4 years, wood structure (roofs, framing)
• Joiner CFC: 4 years, windows, stairs, fittings
• Cabinetmaker CFC: 4 years, high-end furniture, restoration
• Wood builder CFC: 3 years, industrial route

Salaries

• Apprentice: CHF 700-1,800/month
• Starting CFC: CHF 5,000-6,000/month
• 5-10 years XP: CHF 6,200-7,800/month
• Restoration / high-end specialist: CHF 7,500-9,500/month
• Workshop head: CHF 8,000-10,500/month
• Self-employed master: CHF 110-200K/year

Evolution

• Carpenter/joiner team leader diploma
• Carpenter foreman diploma (reference)
• Federal expert in wood construction diploma
• HES Bachelor in wood architecture (BFH-AHB Biel)

Tips

• Discovery internship before choosing specialisation
• Traditional workshop vs engineering office: 2 different routes
• Mastery of digital tools: wood CAD, CNC
• Strong wood tradition cantons: Bern, Valais, Ticino, Grisons
• Self-employment: possible after 5-7 years + master diploma