Industrial mechanics manufacture components and assemblies for machines and production plants, set them up or convert them. They monitor and optimise production processes and take on repair and maintenance tasks.

Type of training

• Dual training
• Training company and vocational school
• 1st apprenticeship year Combined training with external training provider

Duration of training

• 3 ½ years

Requirements

• Realschulabschluss
• Dexterity and eye-hand coordination
• Diligence
• Technical understanding and manual dexterity
• Sense of responsibility
• Good physical constitution

School subjects

• Physics (e.g. to understand the basics of electrical and control engineering)
• Mathematics (e.g. for calculating dimensions, volumes and angles for the production of spare parts)
• Computer science (e.g. for working with CNC machines)

Tasks

• Construction and assembly of mechanical components according to technical drawings
• Construction and installation of tools, machines and production plants
• Operating machine tools (turning, milling, grinding)
• Quality control of production and final assembly
• Testing and commissioning of machines and plants
• Repair and maintenance of machines and technical equipment

Mechatronics technicians build complex mechatronic systems, e.g. robots for industrial production, from mechanical, electrical and electronic assemblies and components.

They test the individual components and assemble them into systems and plants. They put the finished systems into operation, program them or install the associated software. In doing so, they follow circuit diagrams and design drawings and carefully test the systems. They also maintain and repair mechatronic systems.

Type of training

• Dual training
• Training company and vocational school
• Joint training with external training provider

Training duration

• 3 ½ years

Requirements

• Realschulabschluss
• Dexterity and eye-hand coordination
• Technical understanding
• Ability to work in a team and diligence
• Interest in data processing, electrical engineering and electronics

School subjects

• Mathematics (e.g. for collecting and evaluating measured values)
• Computer science (e.g. for installing, configuring and programming information technology systems)
• Handicrafts/technology (e.g. for working with metal and plastics; technical drawing)

Industrial clerks work in companies in all sectors in commercial and business management areas such as materials management, sales and marketing, human resources and finance and accounting.

Type of training

• Dual training, divided into school-based and in-company training

Training duration

• 3 years

Requirements

• Realschulabschluss
• Commercial thinking
• Mathematical understanding
• Good spelling and English language skills
• Communication skills, willingness to make contact
• Diligence and ability to concentrate
• Organisational skills

School subjects

• Mathematics (e.g. to calculate the cost of production materials or salaries)
• Economics (e.g. to understand business transactions)
• English
• German (e.g. for processing personnel documents or for written and oral customer contact)

Tasks

• Procurement of goods and services
• Handling financial and business accounting
• Human resources management
• Designing office processes
• Processing orders

IT specialists specialising in system integration plan and configure IT systems. They set up information and telecommunications technology systems according to requirements and operate and manage them.

This also includes systematically isolating and rectifying faults when they occur, using expert and diagnostic systems. They advise users on the selection and use of equipment and solve application and system problems. They also prepare system documentation.

Type of training

• Dual training (regulated by training ordinance)
• Training company and vocational school

Training duration

• 3 years

Requirements

• Secondary school leaving certificate, preferably A-levels
• Interest in the world of IT
• Mathematical skills
• Technical understanding
• Logical thinking
• Careful and accurate work

School subjects

• Mathematics
• Computer science (logical understanding and programming skills are an advantage)
• English (e.g. to read technical literature or manuals)
• German (good ability to express oneself)