Practical skills and technical know-how
Modern industrial lines are complex systems with mechanical and electronic components. Mechatronics specialists are experts for both. They assemble, install and maintain equipment and lines and ensure proper production processes.
In food production, large and expensive machines are used which are controlled with the assistance of computers. Many of these machines are technically highly sophisticated plants with special designs and many specific functions. Reliable operation of these machines is necessary for trouble-free production. This is the area of responsibility for mechatronics specialists.
Technical all-rounders
Mechatronics specialists assemble plants and put them into operation. They check the systems and conduct maintenance work. In the case of something breaking down, they are able to repair even the most complex machines quickly. Their job requires technical and mathematical understanding as well as meticulousness, flexibility and handicraft skills.
The training of future mechatronics specialists is comprehensive and includes various topics such as metal work, electrical engineering, control technology, hydraulics, pneumatics and different measurement and test procedures. Mechatronics specialists must also be familiar with the programming of software because information technology is also an important part of their work.
Good opportunities for jobs and careers
With this large range of expertise and abilities, mechatronics specialists are sought-after workers for all industrial fields, for in-house services and for installing machines for the customer. Upon completion of their training, mechatronics specialists can specialize in the field that they are most interested in. Moreover, training as a mechatronics specialist is a good basis for further career steps such as a master craftsman, a technician or an engineer.
PROCEDURE, APPLICATION AND CHANCES
What are the requirements?
Secondary school qualification or high school graduation (Abitur). Suitable applicants are selected after the conclusion of personal interviews. Mechatronics specialists must not be color-blind.
What do we expect?
- interest in production processes
- interest and understanding of maths, computer sciences, engineering and electronics
- handicraft skills
- commitment
- ability to work in a team
- reliability
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 form of combined training. Parts of the training take place at Uelzena and for other parts the apprentice works with other companies. Depending on the year of the apprenticeship, vocational school has to be attended once or twice a week.
How long does the vocational training take?
3.5 years
The following two exams are required by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce:
- midterm exam (theory and practice) in the second year of vocational training
- final exam (theory and practice) at the end of the vocational training period
Where is my vocational school?
Vocational school address for apprentices in Bismark:
BBS I
Schillerstraße 6
39576 Stendal
www.bsz-stendal.de
Vocational school address for apprentices in Ratzeburg:
Regionales Bildungszentrum Mölln
Kerschensteinerstr. 2
23879 Mölln
www.bsmoelln.de
What opportunities are available for training and further education?
Trained mechatronics specialists have a range of further qualification possibilities, for example as a master craftsman or a technician in various fields, as a business administrator or process manager.
With a university entrance qualification they can for example also study mechatronics or mechanical engineering.