ETA Production Mechanic Apprentice (CFC) — 3-year apprenticeship
- Location
- Employment
- Internship
- Seniority
- Intern
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Apr 29, 2026
About ETA
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse is a leading high‑precision movement manufacturer within the Swatch Group, supplying mechanical and quartz calibres for numerous renowned watch brands. The company combines advanced industrial technology with Swiss watchmaking expertise and maintains a strong focus on vocational training and skills transfer.
ETA SA (Swatch Group) seeks a Production Mechanic Apprentice (CFC) — 3‑year apprenticeship in Fontainemelon, Switzerland.
Role & Responsibilities
- Undertake a structured three‑year apprenticeship to obtain the Swiss CFC qualification in production mechanics.
- Assemble, adjust and test mechanical components and subassemblies for watch movements under supervision.
- Operate and assist in the setup of production machinery and assembly station equipment following standard operating procedures.
- Perform in‑process quality checks using precision measuring instruments and report deviations.
- Maintain production documentation, complete training modules, and participate in theoretical and practical courses.
- Follow health, safety and clean‑room procedures; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives on the shop floor.
Qualifications
- Completion of compulsory schooling (lower secondary education) or equivalent.
- Strong manual dexterity and fine motor skills suited to precision assembly work.
- Good technical interest in mechanics, micro‑technology or watchmaking.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work both independently and as part of a production team.
- Basic numeracy and ability to read technical drawings and follow written instructions.
Skills
Experience
No prior professional experience in industry is required; applicants should demonstrate an interest in mechanical production and a willingness to learn through practical, workshop‑based training.
Education
Completion of compulsory schooling (lower secondary education) — suitable for candidates entering a Swiss CFC apprenticeship.
Workplace
The role is situated in Fontainemelon, Neuchâtel, Switzerland — conveniently close to Neuchâtel.
Benefits
Structured vocational apprenticeship with professional trainers and mentorship through to completion of the CFC qualification.
Culture
ETA SA operates at the intersection of industrial innovation and traditional Swiss watchmaking, fostering a culture of precision, continuous learning and technical excellence. The workplace emphasizes hands‑on training, mentorship and long‑term skills development for apprentices and technicians.
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 «Production Mechanic Trainee (CFC)», «Watchmaking Production Apprentice», «Mechanical Assembly Apprentice», «Manufacturing Mechanic 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.