On a clear autumn morning, Mael Graf is standing on a flat roof in Lengnau in the Bernese Seeland region, where he and his team are installing solar panels. The 17-year-old focuses closely on his work as he fixes the basic structure in place with a series of well-practised movements. «I did tasters in several different professions,» he tells us later. «But here at GLB Seeland, everything just seemed to fit – the work, the team, the feeling of doing something useful.»
GLB is a construction company with six locations in German-speaking Switzerland, making it a major employer. In addition to other apprenticeships, it has now also been training solar installers since 2024.
Mael is one of the second generation of apprentices training for the new profession of Solar Installer EFZ. This apprenticeship combines manual work with aspects of technology and energy. It wasn’t to be taken for granted that he would quickly feel at home on the roof after starting his apprenticeship: «It took me some time to get used to it. But you get steadier on your feet over time, and eventually it just feels normal.»
Between roof and college – training in a solar apprenticeship
As part of the apprenticeship, Mael attends Bern Technical College once a week. «The first year was primarily about understanding the different processes on the construction site,» he explains. «Now, in the second year, we’re learning more about solar installation – such as the different types of roofs and the substructures. In the intercompany course in Uzwil, we recently built an in-roof system on a pitched roof.»
The Polybau training centre in Uzwil trains apprentices who don’t live in Bern. Intercompany courses are held in blocks there.
You get more used to the routine with every project, says Mael: «At first, you don’t know what goes where or how to load the assembly trolley correctly. But you learn all of that over time and start to notice that you’re becoming more independent.»
Skilled handiwork and a sense of purpose as a Solar Installer EFZ
For Mael, the most important thing is the day-to-day work on the roof. «Effective communication is key. Everything’s more fun with the right mood in the team,» he says. Mael really appreciates the mix of physical work and technical considerations: «As well as the installation work itself, I’ve also worked with the lifting platform and on the maintenance of solar panels. My days are quite varied, and you can see what you’ve achieved at the end of the day.»
Future prospects in the solar industry
Does the profession have a future for him? «Definitely,» he says. «It takes a lot of people to build solar installations. After my apprenticeship, I probably want to do my Federal Vocational Baccalaureate and continue my education.» It’s clear that he develops a bit every day – both on the roof and in conversation.
The profession of Solar Installer EFZ is still in its infancy and is becoming increasingly important with the expansion of renewable energies in Switzerland. The solar apprenticeship offers practical training in an industry with long-term prospects.
Curious? Find out more about the apprenticeship as a Solar Installer EFZ here.
