Why target a shortage occupation
Shortage sectors offer:
- Quick hires (sometimes within weeks)
- Signing bonuses in some cantons
- Accelerated training (adult CFC, Art. 32, short courses)
- Job stability
- Attractive salaries due to recruitment competition
Here are the chronic shortage areas per SECO/x28 reports 2024–2025.
Health (acute shortage)
- HES nurse: 3-year HES route, ASSC → HES bridge in 2 yrs
- ASSC: adult CFC in 2 yrs, Art. 32 in 12–18 months
- Specialist doctors (geriatrics, psychiatry, GP)
- Medical radiology technician: 3-year HES
- Physiotherapist: 3-year HES (numerus clausus in some cantons)
- Speech therapist: 4–5-year master
Starting salary: CHF 65,000–85,000
Tech and digital
- Web / full-stack developer: 3–9 month bootcamp
- Data scientist / analyst: bootcamp + master
- DevOps / SRE / cloud engineer: AWS/Azure certifications + bootcamp
- Cybersecurity: CAS/MAS + certifications (CompTIA, CISSP)
- UX/UI designer: 3–6 month bootcamp
- Product manager: cross-functional, specialised bootcamps
Starting salary: CHF 80,000–100,000 (bootcamp junior), CHF 100,000+ (data, cyber)
Construction and energy
- Electrician: adult CFC 2 yrs
- Heating-sanitary: adult CFC 2 yrs
- PV / heat pump installer: short trainings 3–9 months
- Site supervisor: federal certificate 24–30 months
- Insulation / energy retrofit specialist: short trainings
Starting salary: CHF 65,000–85,000
Transport and logistics
- HGV driver: cat. CE licence in 3–6 months, chronic shortage
- CFF mechanic: paid 11–15 month training
- CFC logistician: adult CFC or Art. 32
- Cat. 1 and 2 forklift: 3–7-day short course
Starting salary: CHF 60,000–80,000
Restaurant and hospitality
- CFC cook: adult CFC 2 yrs, Art. 32 possible
- Sommelier: 1–2-year training
- Hotel manager: EHL Bachelor (3 yrs) or MAS (2 yrs)
Shortage is such that many establishments provide lodging, meals and signing bonuses.
Education (specific shortage)
- Primary teacher: 3-year HEP bachelor
- Secondary teacher in sciences, maths, languages: master + didactics
- Childcare educator / ASE: 3-year CFC or Art. 32
Finance and fiduciary
- Federally qualified expert accountant: chronic shortage, federal certificate in 24 months, diploma in 4–6 years
- Experienced fiduciary: federal certificate + diploma
- Pension adviser (LPP, pillar 3a): short trainings + IAF certifications
Strategic tips
- Target a shortage trade aligned with your strengths: don't reskill into a completely foreign field without passion
- Prefer short routes: adult CFC, Art. 32, bootcamp, federal certificate — faster ROI
- Combine: training + part-time job in the sector (foot in the door)
- Network from the start of training: referrals = 60–80% of hires
- Track evolutions: SECO regularly publishes the shortage list; x28 and UBS issue sector salary surveys
