Your apprenticeship at VetTrust
At VetTrust, around 45 apprentices across 27 locations are training as veterinary practice assistants for the Swiss Federal VET Diploma (EFZ). Experienced vocational trainers and practice teams support them, helping them learn everything they need for a successful start in veterinary practice. Our apprentices are valued members of our teams from the outset: they take responsibility, bring fresh perspectives and shape our future as the next generation of professionals. Find out more below about apprenticeships at VetTrust. Let’s shape the future of veterinary care in Switzerland together.
The veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship (Swiss Federal VET Diploma)
- Welcoming and supporting pet owners, and advising them on animal health, including by telephone
- Scheduling appointments and maintaining client records
- Carrying out a range of tasks involving animals during medical care and hospitalisation
- Assisting during consultations and supporting treatments
- Collecting and processing laboratory samples
- Assisting with X-rays, ultrasound examinations and anaesthesia monitoring
- Maintaining and sterilising surgical instruments
- Cleaning, managing stock and ordering animal feed
- Carrying out administrative tasks to support the team
3 years, starting each August
- A passion for animals
- An interest in and aptitude for working with other people
- Empathy, composure and excellent interpersonal skills
- Being comfortable dealing with unpleasant smells, blood and faeces
- The ability to grasp new information quickly
- Willingness to work on Saturdays
- Career progression to a lead veterinary practice assistant role (LTPA), with responsibility for professional supervision and team management
- Various further training options, for example as a veterinary anaesthesia technician (VAT), veterinary dental assistant (TDA), or medical practice coordinator with a Swiss Federal Diploma of Higher Education specialising in practice management, as well as training in laboratory work and nutrition
- In the 1st year of the apprenticeship: CHF 680.00
- In the 2nd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,045.00
- In the 3rd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,470.00
We follow the salary recommendations of the Society of Swiss Veterinarians (GST).
25 days per year of training
Vocational school provides the theoretical foundations of the training. Classes take place one day a week in Zurich, Bern or Lucerne.
Intercompany courses complement workplace and school-based training and teach fundamental professional skills. They comprise 16 days in the first year, 11 days in the second year and 3 days in the third year of the apprenticeship.
Where we train you
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What we offer you
The opportunity to gain experience at other VetTrust locationsInsights into day-to-day hospital work and the opportunity to build your knowledge in a veterinary hospitalAccess to the internal VetTrust Academy and specific further training opportunities for apprentices
Your application
1. Enquire about an apprenticeship:
Contact the VetTrust practice or hospital of your choice and ask whether an apprenticeship is available.
2. Submit your application:
If an apprenticeship is available, we look forward to receiving your application. It should include:
CVa short cover letteryour latest school report or school-leaving certificate
3. Trial placement:
After reviewing your application, we invite you to a trial placement. This lets you experience everyday work as a qualified veterinary practice assistant and meet our team in person.
4. Feedback:
After the trial placement, we give you feedback on the next steps.
5. Receive an apprenticeship offer:
If you have impressed us and the apprenticeship is a good fit for both sides, you receive an offer for your apprenticeship at VetTrust. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
Your request for a taster placement
Are you not yet sure whether a veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship is right for you? Would you like an initial, no-obligation insight through a taster day or placement on site? Contact the locations that interest you directly and ask about the opportunities available.
Three tips for starting your career
Find out about the veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship leading to the Swiss Federal VET Diploma (TPA EFZ) online or through a careers guidance service. Compare the typical tasks and career prospects with your interests, strengths and plans for the future. If possible, talk to current or former veterinary practice assistant apprentices.
Start thinking about whether you would prefer to complete your apprenticeship in a small-animal practice or a veterinary hospital. A small-animal practice typically means a small team and routine examinations, while a veterinary hospital offers a large team and specialist services. Depending on your personality and preferences, one setting may suit you better than the other.
Write down all your questions and anything you are unsure about, with help from your parents, teachers or friends if you wish, and bring them to your taster placement. The sooner things become clear, the sooner you will know whether the apprenticeship and VetTrust are right for you.
Your contact person
Do you have questions or would you like to know more?
Fabienne is here to help (feel free to use her first name).
Email: abc.def@vettrust.ch
Phone: *41 41 123 45 67