Machine and equipment operator

Everything under control

Modern food companies operate at high technological levels. To ensure a smooth operation, all production plants must be perfectly set up and constantly monitored. These are jobs for responsible people with technical minds.

Machine and equipment operators know every detail of their production plant. They set up machines and control and monitor the production process. If there is a malfunction, they intervene quickly and with competence in order to prevent any damage in the production process. They can perform smaller repairs and maintenance work themselves. In the case of bigger problems, these machine specialists cooperate closely with engineers and mechanics. Therefore, machine and equipment operators must also be able to work in a team.

With computers and robots

Most production plants are fully automatic and are monitored by computers. Sometimes, a machine and equipment operator has to keep an eye on several lines at the same time. Therefore, machine and equipment operators should enjoy working with computers. Naturally, they also need a high level of technical understanding for their work.

In food production, hygiene plays a significant role. Machine and equipment operators should know how to handle raw materials, recipes and packagings properly. Ultimately, both have to be right: the production process and the quality of the final product.  

PROCEDURE, APPLICATION AND CHANCES

What are the requirements?

Lower secondary school qualification. Suitable applicants are selected after the conclusion of personal interviews.

What do we expect?

  • interest in natural sciences and maths
  • interest in production processes
  • knowledge of data processing
  • commitment and ability to work in a team
  • reliability
  • understanding of technical processes

Vocational training overview

The vocational training takes place within the scope of a dual system; this means in the company and the vocational school. The practical training takes place in the individual production areas. It comprises:

  • planning and preparation of work processes
  • set-up and operation pf production plants
  • control of the material flow
  • maintenance and inspection of machines and lines
  • execution of quality assurance measures

The vocational training is supported by instructive dialogues with trainers and experts.

Education at the vocational school takes place in lesson blocks.

How long does the vocational training take?

2 years

The following two exams are required by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce:

  • midterm exam (theory and practice) at the end of the first year of the vocational training
  • final exam (theory and practice) at the end of the vocational training period

Where is my vocational school?

Walther-Lehmkuhl-Schule
Roonstr. 90
24537 Neumünster

What opportunities are available for training and further education?

After completion of their vocational training, machine and equipment operators are able to operate production plants independently and to contribute to the quality of the products made on these machines. They retrofit the plants and ensure compliance with the production specifications.

Additional qualifications can be obtained during the apprenticeship.

After their exams, machine and equipment operators can undergo training as a technical food specialist.