What do you do as a metal technology specialist?
The name says it all: in metal technology, everything revolves around an important material, namely metal. After completing your dual training as a metal technology specialist, you will know and apply the various metalworking techniques. Whether sawing, grinding or filing – you will choose the right process and prepare components for assembly. To do this, you first select the appropriate tools and machines and set them up. These machines then implement your instructions on the workpiece. But because machines can do a lot, but not everything, you will check the resulting components and make manual adjustments where necessary. In the course of your dual training as a metal technology specialist, you will also specialize in one field. In the second year of your apprenticeship, you will therefore choose one of the three specialization options: Construction technology, assembly technology or machining technology.
There are these specializations
In construction mechanics, you assemble dimensional constructions. To do this, you use technical documents to determine suitable processing methods, tools and machines. With their help, you will bend and shape steel frames and grids, for example. You then rivet or weld them together to form the planned construction. You will also plan the assembly of the metal structures, deliver the components safely to customers and assemble them on site, taking into account plans, guidelines and test specifications.
You also keep an eye on the big picture in assembly technology. This is because you put together individual assemblies to create an overall product. This could be a production machine or a vehicle, for example. You rivet, pin, forge and solder to ensure that everything holds together and runs smoothly. You will also assemble electronic components and cables to ensure that your end product is functional. Once you have set up the functions for the tasks that your machine is to perform, you check that everything is running according to plan and make any necessary improvements before you can actually get started. You are also the right person to contact for the maintenance and care of the machines.
In machining technology, you will work with CNC machines. These are computer-controlled milling, grinding or turning machines that are able to implement instructions with millimeter precision and remove material from workpieces step by step to form them into components. You program these machines and produce, for example, car body parts, engine parts and other components for vehicles and production machines.
Where are you needed?
As a metal technology specialist, you will work with a material that is needed in almost all industries. Hardly any company in mechanical and plant engineering or the electrical industry can do without metal. That’s why you have excellent prospects on the job market. Whether mechanical engineering, aircraft and spacecraft, toolmaking or vehicle construction – metal technology specialists are in demand everywhere.
Was solltest du mitbringen?
In der Metalltechnik musst du oft selbst anpacken. Deshalb solltest du handwerkliches Geschick mitbringen. Natürlich musst du nicht alles sofort können, im Laufe deiner dualen Ausbildung bekommst du alles Nötige beigebracht. Voraussetzung ist deine Bereitschaft, sorgfältig und umsichtig zu arbeiten. Sicherheit und Qualität bei der Produktion von Bauteilen sind unerlässlich.<br><br>Um dich in die Ausbildungsinhalte einzuarbeiten, hilft dir ein großes Interesse für Technik und Maschinen. Außerdem wünscht sich dein Ausbildungsbetrieb mindestens einen ordentlichen Hauptschulabschluss. Du punktest vor allem dann, wenn du gut im Zeichnen und Rechnen bist. Diese Fähigkeiten wirst du brauchen, um technische Zeichnungen erstellen, lesen und umsetzen zu können und um deine Maschinen mit den richtigen Werten und Befehlen einzustellen.
Your apprenticeship at a glance
- Duration 2 years
- Theory at the vocational college, practice at the training company
- Diverse training content from manufacturing components and maintaining equipment to control technology, assembling and disassembling components and assemblies and technical maintenance
- After passing your final exam, you have two options for shaping your career. Either you can start your career as a state-certified metal technology specialist and start earning good money from day one. Or you can continue your vocational training. Depending on which specialization you have chosen, there are various options available to you. Your degree will be credited, so you only need an additional 1 to 1.5 years – with the prospect of higher earnings afterwards.