More than just mountain romance: Swiss Ski lift apprenticeships offer a broader perspective

The mountain environment and the responsibility for safe operation characterize the apprenticeships offered by cable car companies. These practical training programs combine craftsmanship with high-tech solutions and teamwork, forming the basis for long-term career development in the industry. With the national recruitment campaign "Alpine Tech Heroes," the Swiss cable car industry is highlighting these opportunities in 2026.

At the heart of the campaign are the "Call of Heroes" taster days on March 23 and 27, 2026, for aspiring "Alpine Tech Heroes." Across Switzerland, 36 cable car companies, manufacturers, and the Swiss Cable Car Association's training center will open their doors. Young people aged 12 and up will gain hands-on insights into the diverse world of cable cars: from mechanics and electronics, control and safety systems, to operation and monitoring. Direct interaction with apprentices and experts will demonstrate the team spirit that characterizes the industry.

A teaching with diversity and meaning

The apprenticeships for cable car mechatronics technician (EFZ, 4 years) and cable car operator (EBA, 2 years) have stood for exceptionally comprehensive training for 20 years. Apprentices work with metal, electrical systems, and electronics, weld and assemble systems, and share responsibility for safe and reliable operation. The combination of technology, experiencing nature, and the responsibility of transporting people safely makes the apprenticeship particularly attractive to young people interested in practical work and modern technology.

This training provides a solid foundation for professional development in the cable car sector. It imparts technical understanding, a sense of responsibility, and practical experience – qualities that are essential in operations and for further roles within the industry.

Career development opportunities within the industry

The cable car industry offers its skilled workers long-term prospects and diverse opportunities for professional development. Building upon vocational training, further education to become a certified cable car specialist enables individuals to assume the technical management of a cable car system. Additional training as a cable car manager also opens the door to executive management. Given the increasing shortage of skilled workers, these career paths are becoming ever more important.

Pascal Ziegler demonstrates that this career path is not an exception: He completed his apprenticeship as a cable car mechatronics technician, furthered his education to become a cable car specialist, and after earning a bachelor's and master's degree from HSLU, is now the operations manager in Bettmeralp and head of strategic projects at Aletsch Bahnen AG. He is also involved as an examination expert in vocational training for cable car operators.

“The apprenticeship at the cable car company was the ideal entry point for me: technically demanding, varied and very practical. It opened all doors for me – from skilled trades to further training and even a management position,” said Ziegler.

Successful launch – campaign will continue

The first national recruitment campaign in 2024 already had an effect: Over 150 young people took part in the taster days, and in 2025 more trainees than ever before started their apprenticeship in the cable car industry.

“A strong graduating class of apprentices is a great success, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee the skilled workforce of tomorrow,” emphasizes Berno Stoffel, Director of Swiss Cableways. “That makes it all the more important to show young people early on how exciting, diverse, and promising an apprenticeship with cableways can be.”

The national recruitment campaign "Alpine Tech Heroes" is coordinated by Swiss Cableways. Further information about apprenticeships, the recruitment campaign, the "Call of Heroes" taster days, and registration can be found at http://www.alpinetechheroes.ch/