ETA Electroplating Apprentice (CFC)
- Location
- Employment
- Internship
- Seniority
- Intern
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Apr 29, 2026
About ETA
ETA SA is a Swiss movement manufacture and a principal production affiliate of the Swatch Group, supplying mechanical and quartz movements for a wide range of watch brands. The company combines precision engineering, industrial-scale manufacturing and a long-standing commitment to vocational training, hosting structured apprenticeships and technical development on-site.
ETA SA (Swatch Group) in Fontainemelon, Switzerland seeks an Electroplating Apprentice (CFC) — a 3-year vocational apprenticeship in watch-component surface finishing.
Role & Responsibilities
- Learn and perform electroplating and surface‑finishing processes under supervision, including bath preparation, metal pre-treatment and plating operations.
- Operate, monitor and maintain electroplating equipment and auxiliary systems in compliance with technical procedures.
- Carry out quality control checks and visual inspections to ensure surface finish, thickness and adhesion meet specified tolerances.
- Follow chemical handling, waste management and workplace safety protocols; maintain accurate production and safety records.
- Read and apply technical drawings, work orders and process documentation; participate in theoretical vocational classes and on-the-job training.
- Collaborate with experienced technicians and trainers to develop troubleshooting, process optimisation and maintenance skills.
Qualifications
- Completed compulsory schooling and eligible to register for a Swiss CFC apprenticeship programme.
- Demonstrable manual dexterity, attention to detail and aptitude for fine mechanical work.
- Interest in materials, chemistry and industrial production processes.
- Reliability, good work ethic and the capacity to follow technical instructions precisely.
- Willingness to participate in both classroom-based vocational instruction and practical shop-floor training.
Skills
Experience
No prior professional experience is required; the position is a three-year vocational apprenticeship with on-the-job training. Practical experience in a workshop or metalworking environment is advantageous but not mandatory.
Education
Eligible applicant must have completed compulsory schooling and meet the entry requirements for a Swiss CFC apprenticeship programme.
Workplace
This position is based in Fontainemelon, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, within easy reach of Neuchâtel.
Benefits
Structured three-year apprenticeship with professional trainers and dedicated vocational instruction.
Culture
ETA SA operates within the precision-driven culture of Swiss watchmaking and the Swatch Group, emphasising technical excellence, continuous learning and craftsmanship. The workplace balances industrial-scale production with a strong tradition of apprenticeship and on-the-job mentoring.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like ETA, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Electroplating Technician Trainee», «Surface Treatment Apprentice», «Electroplater Apprentice», «Metal Finishing Apprentice», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.