New training occupations complement the occupational group of metal working

The occupational group of metal working will be restructured with effect from 1 August, when two new training occupations are added in the form of "skilled metal worker" and "press tool operator and metal working mechanic". The modernised training occupation of "production mechanic" also comes into force.

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has worked on behalf of the Federal Government to develop the new training occupations, acting in conjunction with the social partners and with experts from the field of company practice.

The new two-year training occupation "skilled metal worker" replaces eleven "old occupations", whereas the three-year training occupation of "production mechanic" has undergone fundamental modernisation.

The occupation of "press tool operator and metal working mechanic", which is also of three years' duration, has been newly created to cover complex manufacturing procedures.

In order to develop precisely tailored occupational profiles and to cover continuing requirements in the "old occupations", the restructuring of the "metal working occupational group" included a fundamental pooling and realignment of existing occupations to form the two-year training occupation of "skilled metal worker".

This occupation offers connectivity and is divided into the specialisms of installation technology, structural engineering, metal forming and wire technology and cutting procedures. Training in the occupation joins the existing occupations in the metal working industry to offer applicants additional provision for entry into the world of work. Following successful completion of the final examination, vocational education and training may be continued via a range of three and three-and-a-half year training occupations. Credit transfer is given for the previous training period depending on specialism.

The modernisation of the training occupation of "production mechanic" has replaced the preceding training regulations in the occupation, which dated back 16 years. The updating of the occupation has enabled proper account to be taken of developments such as the ever growing significance of process orientation and quality assurance and technological progress in the manufacture and installation of mass produced industrial goods. Another new feature of training leading to qualification in the occupation of production mechanic, towards which the two-year training occupation of skilled metal worker can be credited, is the extended final examination.

The new training leading to qualification in the occupation of "press tool operator and metal working mechanic" meets the requirement for an occupation offering mastery of the tasks involved in programming press tool and metal working machines and in process control. Press tool operators and metal working mechanics will work in mass production in industry as well as for companies specialising in precision stampings, bent components and products that are manufactured using "follow-on composite technology", i.e. a manufacturing technique that combines various process stages, such as pressing, bending, drawing and stamping operations, within a single tool. Particular employment opportunities will be available in the automobile industry, in machine and plant construction, in the field of renewable energies, in medical sector, in electronics, in aviation and aerospace and in the telecommunications branch.

The training also opens up attractive career and advancement opportunities such as advanced training leading to the qualifications of "certified metalworking foreman" and "state certified technician".