immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Berufswahl

  • Career prospects in Swiss timber construction

    Career prospects in Swiss timber construction

    The importance of the timber construction industry
    The timber construction industry plays a key role in Switzerland, particularly in the area of sustainable construction and energy-efficient building refurbishment. Building with wood is an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral method that ensures minimal energy consumption both during the construction phase (grey energy) and during the subsequent operation of the building. The timber construction industry makes a significant contribution to shaping Switzerland’s future.

    Career prospects and further training options
    Once they have completed their basic training, trained carpenters have numerous options open to them: They can work as highly qualified specialists in the company, gain experience on the mill or abroad or continue their education to become a foreman, foreman, technician or engineer, all the way up to master craftsman. If the vocational baccalaureate has not already been completed during the basic training programme, it can be completed as a full-time course of study within a year of completing the basic training programme. This enables a seamless transition to a higher technical college or university of applied sciences without examinations. The career plan for timber construction in Switzerland offers the opportunity for lifelong learning, individual further training and specialisation as well as various advanced training courses. Training as an energy consultant, project manager for solar systems or craftsman in monument preservation are just a few examples. A career in timber construction thus offers the opportunity to develop and orientate yourself individually according to your own wishes and needs.

    Carpenter EFZ
    Carpenters at EFZ level mainly work with wood and are proficient in timber construction activities. They work as generalists in operations as well as in shell construction and finishing. They are familiar with the requirements of the building trade and work with other tradespeople involved in construction.

    WoodworkerEBA
    Your career start with good prospects. The profession of woodworker EBA (Federal Vocational Certificate) is an independent, two-year basic training programme in the wood industry. It covers a wide range of activities in the woodworking industry as well as in timber construction.

    Certified technician
    HF Holztechnik
    HF timber construction technicians plan timber constructions independently on the basis of project plans and manage their realisation. They take on management tasks within the company or manage a department. As a team leader on the construction site, they coordinate the work with the other tradespeople.

    Vocationalbaccalaureate and business administration/entrepreneurship degree programme
    The vocational baccalaureate and the business administration degree programme NDS are industry-independent training courses. While the vocational baccalaureate primarily deepens general knowledge, the business administration programme imparts knowledge for entrepreneurial activities in higher management positions.

    Master timber construction technician with a federal diploma
    Master timber construction technicians manage a timber construction company or a larger department. They have overall responsibility for the technical, economic and personnel management, organisation and further development of the company. They liaise closely with customers, suppliers and architects.

    Dipl. Techniker/in
    HF Baufführung Holzbau
    Graduates work as a designer or operations manager in a timber company. Thanks to their extensive skills, they are “generalists for modern timber construction”: from preparing quotations, planning and realisation to execution control and invoicing.

    Master of Science in Wood Technology
    This degree programme, which is unique in Europe, combines practical relevance with research and development. The programme enables students to work in timber construction and in all processing stages of the timber industry from a technical, business and ecological perspective.

    Bachelor of Science in Wood Technology
    The training concept covers a broad spectrum – from raw materials and semi-finished products to supporting structures, furniture and energy-efficient buildings. The focus is on intelligent and innovative solutions for modern timber construction as well as sustainable products and processes using wood.

  • Women in timber construction

    Women in timber construction

    Approaches and challenges
    Professor Katrin Künzi Hummel from Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) has been working with women in timber construction for a long time. Based on her practical experience and scientific studies, she presented various approaches in her lecture on how timber construction companies can drive change. She emphasised that timber construction professions should not just be limited to technical production, as they also have a design aspect. This should be emphasised more in order to appeal to women. The industry and companies should rethink their communication, as content, language and images often reflect male stereotypes. In order to attract women to the timber construction profession, role models such as “Carpenter on Tour” are important to show what is possible. If women work in timber construction companies, their examples can serve as career models. In addition to the desire for a future-proof career, the compatibility of work and family also plays an important role for many women. Companies should therefore consider options such as more flexible working hours, part-time work or shift work, not just to attract female specialists.

    Challenges for female carpenters
    It became clear during the panel discussion at the industry event that female carpenters still have difficulties entering the industry. Camille Seidler, now a timber construction engineer at Pirmin Jung AG, criticised the lack of support during her apprenticeship as a carpenter. Lara Zwiefelhofer, known as “Carpenter on Tour” for Holzbau Schweiz, had better experiences with her employers, but emphasised that women had to work harder to be accepted. Astrid Späti’s example showed that initiative is required. She joined the operations of Späti Holzbau AG and created her own areas of responsibility. Späti pointed out that although women have access to the industry, they mainly work in the administrative area. She emphasised the importance of the network between female carpenters and female managers for the exchange of knowledge. Jürg Hugener, head of the timber construction department at Wetzikon Vocational College, was pleased about the increase in female apprentices in his field, but emphasised the need for support from teaching staff and companies in order to make training positive for women.
    Timber construction, a craft steeped in tradition, is slowly but surely changing. Long dominated by men, the various professions in timber construction are increasingly opening up to the diverse talents and skills of women. However, statistics show that there is still a long way to go to achieve a better balance between men and women in skilled trades such as carpentry. In the last three years, only 1 to 2 per cent of women completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter.

    Encouragement for women in the carpentry profession
    At the end of the discussion, advice for aspiring female carpenters and suggestions for companies were discussed. Lara Zwiefelhofer and Camille Seidler encouraged women to simply get started. Women should have the confidence that they have the same manual skills as men. However, it also requires perseverance and the courage to openly communicate your own needs. An appreciative team culture and promotion of communication as well as investment in modern technical aids were called for from the companies. At the end of the discussion, Astrid Späti emphasised the importance of a better network for women in timber construction. Jürg Hugener supported this and called on companies to actively support female career starters.