What do you do as a process mechanic?
As a process mechanic, you specialise in the processing of raw materials into products. Your challenge is that there are a variety of raw materials and many more objects and components that are made from them. In your day-to-day work as a process mechanic, however, you will usually only work with one raw material – but you are an absolute specialist for this. You will decide which raw material you specialise in during the course of your dual training by choosing a specialisation. For example, you can choose from plastics, concrete, glass or coatings.
No matter which material you work with: To turn a blank or raw material into a product, it has to be processed and moulded. Your job is to programme production machines correctly so that this is exactly what happens. How do you do this? By specifying moulds and dimensions and supervising production by the machine. It is particularly important that you keep an eye on the quality of the manufactured products and rework them with various tools if necessary. This also includes lending a hand yourself and filing edges smooth, for example. If you notice any major deviations from the quality standards, you will look for the cause. Is there a fault somewhere: in the quality of the fabric, in the machine settings or in the parts of the machine itself? You carry out the maintenance work required to rectify the problem yourself. Regardless of whether defective components need to be replaced or oil and coolant levels need to be topped up: You take care of it.
Where are you needed?
If you have completed a dual apprenticeship in process mechanics, you will be indispensable for companies in all sectors of industry. The exact companies that come into question for you will mainly depend on which raw material and therefore which specialisation you have specialised in during your dual training. Many different companies in mechanical and plant engineering are conceivable, but also, for example, the automotive industry, plastics production, computer manufacturers, manufacturers of glass components and many more. Process engineering simply plays an important role everywhere.
What should you bring with you?
You should have a keen interest in technology so that you can cope well with the content of your dual training programme. It will help you to understand mechanical relationships and how machines work. Manual dexterity is also important, especially when replacing components. And finally, you shouldn’t get bored familiarising yourself with raw materials and their properties. As a rule, your future training company will want you to have at least a secondary school leaving certificate. However, a good ability to concentrate and an eye for detail are particularly important. This will enable you to find every little error in production – and the cause.
Your apprenticeship at a glance
- Duration 2 years
- Theory at vocational school, practice in the training company
- Diverse training content from process engineering and various production methods to quality control and maintenance
- If you would like to continue your education after completing your dual training, there are several options open to you. With a little work experience, you can acquire the title of industrial foreman in your specialisation. If you would like to acquire even more specialised knowledge, you can also train to become a technician in process mechanics. Or you can enrol at a university, for example in plastics technology.