Tinsmith EFZ

What does a tinsmith do? Tasks, education, pay and career opportunities

Tinsmiths are specialists in metalwork on the roof and on the façade. They produce sheet metal components, install gutters, covers and drainage systems — and ensure that buildings are tight, durable and aesthetic. The profession combines craftsmanship with precision, creativity and technical understanding.

The scope of a plumber's work – What does it entail?

Tinsmiths work where function and design meet — on roofs, facades and metal structures. Her work protects buildings from wind and weather and at the same time gives them a characteristic look.

Central activities:

• Cut, bend and form copper, aluminum, chrome steel or zinc sheets
• Manufacture and install gutters, drain pipes, safes and covers
• Cladding metal facades, standing seam roofs and dormers
• Install seals and insulation on roof and wall connections
• welding, soldering, riveting and edging of components
• Read technical plans and implement work steps precisely
• Cooperation with roofers, façade builders and construction managers

Tinsmiths combine precision craftsmanship with architectural sensitivity — for buildings that last and inspire.

Education: plumber EFZ or plumber practitioner EBA

The apprenticeship as a plumber provides the entire range of expertise relating to metalworking, sealing and assembly. It is aimed at artisanal, precisely working people with a technical understanding.

Tinsmith practitioner EBA (2 years):

• Practice in teaching: simple metalwork, assembly assistance, preparation
• Vocational school: Basics of metalworking, occupational safety
• ÜK: cutting, bending, soldering, assembly
• Degree: Swiss Professional certificate plumber practitioner EBA

plumber EFZ (4 years):

• Practice: Manufacture and assembly of complex plumbing work
• Vocational school: specialist knowledge of metal construction, materials theory, geometry
• ICE: standing seam technology, roof drainage, façade installation
• Degree: Swiss Tinsmith certificate EFZ

Continuing education & career opportunities

After completing the apprenticeship, there are numerous opportunities for specialization and advancement — from construction management to self-employment.

Possible continuing education:

• Master plumber with federal diploma
• Building envelope foreman or polisher
• Technician HF building envelope or metal construction
• Project manager or construction manager building envelope
• Continuing education in the field of solar technology or metal façade construction

The combination of tradition, precision and modern technology makes the plumber's profession future-proof in the long term.

Salary as a plumber in Switzerland

Tinsmiths benefit from regulated wages as part of the CLA in the building envelope sector. Experience, specialization and region influence earnings.

Indicative values:

• Learners: staggered according to apprenticeship year
• After completion of apprenticeship: approx. CHF 4'900 — 5'400/month
• With experience/specialization: approx. CHF 5'400 — 6'200/month
• Polisher or project manager: CHF 6,500+/month

Allowances for assembly, weather conditions or work at height are common additional services.

Benefits of BAUSCOUT for plumbers

BAUSCOUT brings plumbers directly into contact with suitable construction companies — quickly, transparently and without intermediaries.

Benefits at a glance:

• Commission-free: No agency fees or hidden costs
• Direct contact: Communicate directly with companies
• Flexible: Temporary, project-related or fixed — individually suitable
• Quick: Searched today, on the construction site tomorrow

With BAUSCOUT, plumbers find jobs that really fit — efficiently, digitally and fairly.