It’s a sunny morning as we arrive at the SWISS Technical Division at Zurich Airport. Upstairs lies the apprentice workshop—the heart of technical training at SWISS. The scent of metal and machine oil lingers in the air, and the hum of equipment fills the space. Just next door: the aircraft hangar, where maintenance work takes place. We’re greeted by instructor Stefan Hilber and two of his apprentices, Marc Boltshauser and Madeleine Wijnberg. For now, the workshop is their second home—but soon, they’ll be stepping into the aircraft hangars themselves.

Engineering with responsibility

SWISS currently trains around 90 young people across its four-year apprenticeships in polymechanics and automation. Marc, now in his first year, is enthusiastic: “What we learn here directly impacts the safety of the aircraft,” he explains. Alongside Madeleine, now in her second year, and their fellow apprentices, he’s gaining hands-on experience in the workshop. Two days a week are dedicated to vocational school, where theoretical knowledge is deepened. Starting in the second year, they also begin preparing for their Category A license, which qualifies them to perform basic aircraft maintenance tasks later on.

Mastering the basics

The program is demanding—but above all, fascinating. From the outset, self-responsibility is emphasized. The apprentices not only train intensively on machines but also gain a thorough understanding of aircraft systems. Like pilots, they need to understand how and why an aircraft flies—and how all its components interact.

Marc grins: “Technically, we could already start an aircraft.” Of course, it’s not quite that simple—but the point stands. Aircraft technicians are trained with deep systems knowledge. They need to be able to run engine checks or even program flight plans under supervision.

Instructor Stefan Hilber underscores the program’s high standards: SWISS invests heavily in hands-on training—opening many doors for the future. “Aircraft technicians carry a lot of responsibility,” he says. “They’re the ones who sign off on whether an aircraft is safe to fly.”

A day in the workshop

It’s a responsibility that motivates. “Building something with your own hands and seeing that it works—that makes you proud,” says Marc, guiding us through the different training stations. Here, apprentices saw, mill, and lathe with millimeter precision. “We learn how to draw up plans, calculate speeds, and operate machinery precisely.”

The work is varied: over the first two years, each apprentice builds their own vise—each step completed independently. There’s also room for creativity, with projects like turbine-shaped pepper mills or aircraft-shaped keychains.

Marc had started a different program before switching tracks. “It just wasn’t the right fit,” he says. “But here—between machines, metal parts, and the aircraft rolling past the window—I’ve found where I belong.”

Tinkering and dreaming

Madeleine, too, feels she’s right where she belongs. While polymechanics requires absolute precision—one mistake often means starting over—automation allows more room to experiment. “If something doesn’t work, I troubleshoot and try new approaches,” she says. The variety is what excites her most: mechanics, pneumatics, programming, wiring—all rolled into one. “Just recently, we built and wired a control system. That was really cool.”

Her passion for engineering and aviation doesn’t end at the workshop door. At home, she’s built her own radar system that lets her track aircraft on screen—just like on FlightRadar—and dream about her next holiday.

Experts in the making

Despite their different focuses, polymechanics and automation go hand in hand. As Stefan explains, “One person handles the maintenance of mechanical systems like engines or landing gear, while the other is responsible for wiring and activating electronic systems, such as cabin lighting or communications.” That collaboration is key, and both sides need to understand a bit of each other’s world.

What stands out: Marc and Madeleine already speak with the confidence of seasoned professionals. They use technical terms naturally—even the countless aviation acronyms are second nature by now. But it’s not just about know-how. “A big part of the training is in English,” says Marc. “That helps us navigate an international environment.”

Taking off with SWISS

That love of aviation is evident throughout the workshop—especially when an aircraft taxis by just outside the window. “This place feels like home,” says Madeleine. What she appreciates most is the open culture: “Everyone’s on a first-name basis—even with the CEO.” That closeness fosters team spirit.

For both Marc and Madeleine, this apprenticeship isn’t just the first step into working life—it’s the launchpad for a future full of possibilities. “Every day brings something new,” says Madeleine. “And I’m excited for everything that’s still to come.”