IT and technology
Laborant/in EFZ
Key facts
- Qualification
- Federal VET Diploma (EFZ)
- Length
- 3 years
- Specialisations
- Biologie, Chemie, Textil, Farbe und Lack
You analyse samples, carry out experiments and help develop new medicines, materials or foods.
What you do
In the lab you work very precisely. You prepare samples, measure, analyse, take notes and evaluate results. Depending on your specialisation you examine cells and bacteria (biology), make and test substances (chemistry), test fibres and fabrics (textiles) or develop paints and coatings (paint and varnish).
Laboratory technicians work in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, in hospitals, at universities and for public authorities.
What you bring
- Curiosity and enjoying science, especially chemistry and biology
- Working very precisely and cleanly
- Patience, because some experiments need several attempts
- Good marks in maths
How the apprenticeship works
The apprenticeship takes three years. You work in your company's lab, go to vocational school and attend industry courses. Many large companies have their own training labs for the first months.
Tip: During your taster placement, ask which substances or organisms you would work with. Biology and chemistry feel very different in everyday work.
And afterwards
After the apprenticeship you can train further at a college of higher education to become a technician. With the vocational baccalaureate you can study chemistry, biotechnology or life sciences at a university of applied sciences.
Klingt gut? Dann probier es aus
Ob ein Beruf passt, merkst du am besten in einer Schnupperlehre. Ein paar Tage im Betrieb sagen mehr als jede Beschreibung.
More about the occupation
What people do in this occupation and which schooling it needs is described in detail by the official career guidance service.