I'm about to start a sys-admin apprenticeship soon in Switzerland, specifically in the infrastructure side of the informaticien CFC degree. The company I'm joining has around 140 employees and manages about 400 servers. I've dabbled in some home projects like self-hosting with old PCs, but I'm still figuring things out. I understand that as part of the apprenticeship, I'll be learning both on the job and in school (four days work, one or two days school), and I'll end up with a federal diploma recognized across Switzerland. I'm looking for detailed insights on what I can expect during my apprenticeship and any tips or wisdom others might have to share?
4 Answers
With 400 servers and only 140 employees, it sounds like your company is quite busy! Be as eager as a sponge to soak up knowledge. Document everything you do; it’ll help you in the long run and impress management. If you spot a better way to tackle a problem, don’t hesitate to suggest it!
Totally agree! Just for context, we have 250 employees with 40 servers, so you’re looking at some serious high availability setups to support that workload.
Take your time and don’t rush into things. There’s a lot to absorb, and it can feel overwhelming initially. Just tackle it step by step. Good luck with everything!
Since you're starting an apprenticeship, you’ll be guided through everything you need to learn, so stay motivated! Expect to start with basic tasks like managing inventory and handling L1 support tickets. Don't stress too much!
If you're interested in pursuing further education, I recommend working on your Berufsmatura alongside your apprenticeship. The experience varies by company, so engage with colleagues; it’s also essential to document your daily work. Follow the IPERKA framework for structure in your reports. If you're stuck, Google for a bit before asking your supervisor — that shows initiative!
That's a solid plan! I’m already looking into the Berufsmatura. Luckily, I will have three other apprentices to connect with, although I'm unsure which paths they’re pursuing. Thanks for the tips!
Just to clarify, the organization is a government entity that manages state employee benefits, like pensions and mortgages. It's great that they're willing to teach — stay motivated and proactive!