What do you do as a cutting machine operator?
After completing your dual training as a cutting machine operator, you will be a specialist in precision work. Because that’s what machining is all about. Using a turning tool, you will remove chip after chip from your material to create a component. You use technical drawings as a guide, which tell you exactly what the end product should look like. State-of-the-art technology will help you to adhere to the millimetre-precise specifications. For example, you programme machines to implement the construction plans exactly. You then apply the finishing touches yourself by smoothing sharp corners and edges by hand. In this way, as a prospective cutting machine operator, you will produce components that are then installed in all kinds of machines, aircraft turbines, medical devices or cars.
Where are you needed?
There is hardly a company in the entire metal industry that does not employ cutting machine operators. That’s why you’ll have excellent career opportunities in small, medium-sized or internationally active companies after your dual training programme. Whether toolmaking, aerospace companies, automotive manufacturing or mechanical and plant engineering: precision work, such as that you perform as a cutting machine operator, is in demand everywhere.
What should you bring with you?
To successfully complete your dual training as a cutting machine operator, you should have a keen interest in mechanics. If you like juggling numbers and are interested in physical relationships, you will fulfil the most important prerequisite. Your training company also wants you to have at least a secondary school leaving certificate. Another advantage when applying is if you have already gained experience in technical drawing, for example during an internship. Spatial thinking is also very important, as it helps you to understand technical drawings and plan work steps sensibly. But don’t worry if you don’t fulfil all of these points. During your dual training programme, you will be taught everything you need to know so that you can be successful in your career later on.
Your apprenticeship at a glance
- Duration 3.5 years
- Theory at vocational school, practice at the training company
- During your dual training, you will learn how to read technical drawings, select the right material and programme CNC machines. Depending on the company in which you complete your training, you will deepen your knowledge of automatic lathe systems, turning machine systems, milling machine systems or grinding machine systems. You can also acquire additional qualifications, for example in 3D printing.
- The first part of the final examination takes place at the end of the second year of training. The second part follows at the end of your apprenticeship.
- After your apprenticeship, you will have plenty of opportunities for further development. If you feel ready to take on management tasks, you can acquire a master craftsman’s qualification in the metalworking specialisation or continue your training to become a technical business administrator. A degree course, for example in mechanical engineering, is also possible.