Self-test: Is the "Mechanical Engineering (HF)" course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering) suits you and whether studying mechanical engineering at a higher technical college (HF) is right for you.
Note: Since fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "Techniker HF Fachrichtung") have been given a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. For example, the course "Technician HF Mechanical Engineering" is now called "Mechanical Engineering Technician HF". In addition, the specializations in design engineering, production engineering, plastics engineering, automotive engineering and aircraft engineering have been removed from the framework curriculum. However, the schools can still offer specializations independently.
What does the everyday working life of a mechanical engineering technician with an HF diploma look like?
Mechanical engineering technicians HF (formerly technicians HF specializing in mechanical engineering) work in the areas of planning, design, production, manufacturing and assembly in mechanical, apparatus and plant engineering companies. They design and calculate new products according to the client's requirements or regularly check existing products for potential improvements and make adjustments.
They work with computer programs such as CAD and simulation tools to calculate, draw plans and create production documents. Prototypes are then used to test and optimize correct functioning and compliance with all specifications. Mechanical engineering technicians who work in the field of production assemble machines and simpler systems, program them and put them into operation. Their tasks may also include instructing operating personnel or working with sales, distribution or technical customer service as technical support.
(Remember: in individual cases, the distribution/weighting/frequency of tasks may vary depending on the function/job profile and the company, company size and sector).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering)?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Perhaps another, related training program would suit you better? For example:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: Who is the HF Mechanical Engineering degree program for Mechanical Engineering Technician HF suitable for?
The mechanical engineering course at a higher technical college to become a mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering) is suitable for
- Professionals with a technical/trade occupation who would like to continue their education and expand their skills in the construction and design of machines
- Ambitious professionals from the mechanical engineering industry who aspire to a management position or specialist management tasks
- People with a technical/trade EFZ (Federal Certificate of Competence) who want to develop in mechanical engineering and expand their knowledge and skills in this area and thus also improve their career opportunities
- People with professional experience in the mechanical engineering industry who would like to increase their professional attractiveness and thus also their salary opportunities with an HF diploma
Mechanical Engineering Technicians HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding
- Sense of responsibility
- Independent and reliable way of working
- analytical and conceptual skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Planning skills
- Leadership and organizational talent
- Customer and service orientation
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot directly pursue the HF diploma in mechanical engineering technician HF. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information on mechanical engineering training and further education in our guide "Training and further education in mechanical and metal engineering".Hereto download free of charge.
- If you do not have the necessary previous education*, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible, for example, to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in the technical/trade sector, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
*A list of the relevant EFZ can be found in theFramework curriculumfor mechanical engineering technicians HF (formerly technicians HF mechanical engineering).
Requirements for admission to the HF Mechanical Engineering degree program:
Each university of applied sciences decides independently on the admission procedure for mechanical engineering studies. They regulate this in their study regulations, taking into account the relevant legal basis. There may therefore be differences between the universities of applied sciences (HF).*
In order to be able to start a mechanical engineering course to become a mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering) at a higher technical college (HF), you must generally meet the following admission requirements:
- Completion of relevant basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) **
Or
- Completion of a three-year basic vocational training (EFZ) in another field and relevant professional experience (usually at least 1 year) in the technical/trade field
Or
- Completion of a high school diploma or technical secondary school as well as relevant professional experience (usually at least 1 year) in the technical/trade sector
Further conditions:
- Many schools require at least 50% employment in the technical/trade sector during the part-time HF Mechanical Engineering course.
- In addition, depending on the school, an entrance examination and/or attendance of a preliminary course, for example in mathematics, may be required.
Note: In some cases, it is possible to have educational achievements already completed credited. Please contact the provider of your choice directly.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
** A list of the relevant EFZs can be found in theFramework curriculumfor mechanical engineering technicians HF.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipAssociation sponsorship RLP HF Mechanical Engineering c/o ORTEC Management AG"
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Mechanical Engineering Technician HF (formerly Techniker HF Maschinenbau), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of mechanical engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible to catch up on the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipAssociation sponsorship RLP HF Mechanical Engineering c/o ORTEC Management AG".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Mechanical Engineering Technician HF (formerly Techniker HF Maschinenbau), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of mechanical engineering, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the training
In principle, the course content of the HF Mechanical Engineering course for Mechanical Engineering Technicians HF is based on the "Mechanical Engineering HF" framework curriculum. The sponsors are Swissmem, Swissmechanic, SVFB Schweizerischer Verband Flugtechnischer Betriebe, as organizations of the working world, and the Konferenz der Höheren Fachschulen Technik KHF-T as a representative of the training providers. They are responsible for drawing up the framework curriculum and periodically reviewing it to ensure that it is up to date and of high quality.
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their courses for future mechanical engineering technicians HF (formerly technicians HF mechanical engineering). Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured can therefore vary from college to college. The PET colleges can also offer specializations, for example.*
As a rule, the following topics are covered in mechanical engineering studies, further education and training at higher technical college level:
- Mathematics, Statistics
- Physics
- Computer science
- Communication, Marketing
- Business Administration (BWL)
- Finance and accounting
- Law
- Personnel management, corporate management (leadership)
- Mechanics
- Electrical engineering
- Skills theory
- Machine safety, machine elements
- Industry 4.0
- Design theory
- Quality management
- Project management
- Production planning and control
- Maintenance
*Such a specialization may focus on a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours. The protected title "Dipl. Maschinenbautechniker HF / dipl. Maschinenbautechnikerin HF" remains unchanged.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better. The following could be suitable alternatives, for example:
Obviously the typical subject areas of mechanical engineering technician HF are not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider, training location and training model. In general, the following costs must be expected for the 6-semester HF mechanical engineering course:
- Tuition fees:The semester fee depends on the school and your canton of residence. You can expect to pay between CHF 16,600 and CHF 24,300 for students resident in the canton of training*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are usually included in the course fees.
- Additional costs:Some providers charge extra costs for the enrolment fee and student card, preliminary courses (optional), teaching materials, special software, licenses, laboratory exercises, practicals, training documents, examination/diploma thesis and examination retakes. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
- Acquisition of additional qualifications:For additional qualifications such as an internationally recognized English certificate, you will have to expect extra costs for the preparation and external examination.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance approx. CHF 16,600 - CHF 24,300 for your studies and examination/diploma thesis?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwisscan be found in our guide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
About thisLinkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Duration of study:The HF Mechanical Engineering degree course to become a qualified mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly HF mechanical engineering technician) has a modular structure and lasts 6 semesters (part-time) (full-time: 4 semesters)*.
- Number of lessons:With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours generally increases to 5400 learning hours, please contact the school of your choice. The professional activity (practice in a relevant occupation) during the part-time mechanical engineering HF course is credited with a maximum of 720 hours (with a relevant EFZ) or a maximum of 1800 hours (without a relevant EFZ) towards the training period. The practical training (internships in a practice-oriented or real field of work accompanied by specialists) in full-time studies amounts to at least 720 hours (with relevant EFZ) or at least 1800 hours (without relevant EFZ). Learning hours also include contact studies (with qualified supervision), guided self-study, individual self-study and qualification procedures (e.g. semester examinations, intermediate examinations, diploma examinations, diploma theses or assessed semester theses). How these learning hours are divided up in terms of time is defined in the framework curriculum.
- Training models:The course is offered part-time and full-time. Classes take place two evenings a week, for example, or on a full weekday or on Saturdays. This can vary from HF to HF.
- Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning).
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
* At some schools, professionals with a technical vocational baccalaureate can benefit from a shortened course of study. Please contact the school of your choice directly.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. Take the opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The degree course in Mechanical Engineering Technician HF (formerly Technician HF Mechanical Engineering) generally concludes with a practice-oriented diploma thesis and oral or written examinations. The details of the implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations. The final qualification procedure is often as follows:
- The results of the previous semester examinations and/or assessed semester papers
- Diploma thesis: The diploma thesis is practice-oriented; candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and networked thinking. The thesis is written individually on a topic relevant to mechanical engineering. It is written at the end of the course (can also be integrated into the 5th or 6th semester). Here too, the time frame is determined by the respective HF in its study regulations.
- The thesis will also be presented to a group of experts (expert panel) and then defended in a discussion.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Maschinenbautechnikerin / dipl. Maschinenbautechniker HF".
In French: "Technicienne diplômée ES en génie mécanique / Technicien diplômé ES en génie mécanique"
In Italian: "Tecnica dipl. SSS in costruziono meccahniche / Technico dipl. SSS in costruioni maccaniche"
In English (recommendation, but not a protected title): "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Mechanical Engineering"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the mechanical engineering course leading to a federal HF diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Mechanical Engineering Technician HF (formerly Technician HF Mechanical Engineering) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a mechanical engineering technician HF (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering) does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying mechanical engineering at a university of applied sciences (HF) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin