Vocational training in the electronic and metal industry in Germany

Vocational training in the electronic and metal industry does not only open doors to diverse and exciting professions but also to impeccable career opportunities in Germany. Regardless of whether you wish to be an electronics technician or an industrial mechanic, the options for vocational training in this field are wide-ranging and are a solid basis for a successful professional career. 

Germany is one of the biggest manufacturers and users of metal products globally. The companies of the German metal industry work with light metals like aluminium, non-ferrous metals (e.g. copper), as well as precious metals and rare metals. In production, products for processing like sheet metals or poles and processed products, like tubes or tins, for example, are manufactured. Important customers of the metal industry are the vehicle industry, the electrical engineering industry, the construction industry, the aerospace industry, as well as the machinery and plant industry, amongst others.

With 873,000 employees and a revenue of almost 182 billion euros in 2020, the electrical engineering and electric industry in Germany are a crucial industry branch. Only surpassed by the mechanical engineering industry, it is the second-biggest industry branch in terms of employees, and it even ranks higher than the automobile industry.

About every eighth vocational training position remains vacant. Therefore, your chances of kicking of your career with vocational training in the electronic and metal industry are very good (Unfortunately, the following link to the individual professions are only available in German. We recommend using a translation tool).

Metal production, metal processing and metal construction

• Metal production
• Milling machine operating
• Toolmaking

 
Mechatronics engineering, automation technology

• Mechatronics engineer
• Electronics technician – specialising in automation and system technology

 
Plumbing, sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems

• Plant mechanic for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems
• Plumbing

In general, you complete vocational training in the electronic and metal industry within the dual system. This means that, aside from working in the company, you will go to vocational school, where you will acquire the required theoretical knowledge for your profession.Depending on the profession, vocational training takes 2 to 4 years to complete.

Typical workplaces in the metal and electronic industry are the following:

• Production halls
• Workshops
• Construction sites
• On-site commissions with customers

During dual vocational training, you will earn a training allowance from the training company. The allowance increases every year until you complete your vocational training. Depending on the specialisation, the training allowance varies. Here is an exemplary list of training allowances during the first training year.

• Electronics with a specialisation in automation and system technology: €700 – €1,300 per month (gross income)
• Plant mechanics for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems: €682 – €1,010 per month (gross income)
• Mechatronics in the metal and electronic industry: €1,206 – €1,338 per month (gross income)

You should also know the following:

• You have to pay social security contributions from your gross income, for example for statutory heal insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance. These contributions are deducted automatically, before you receive your net income in your bank account.
• During vocational training, you only pay income tax if you have a higher gross income than €1,385 per month (in tax bracket I; as of 2025)

For vocational training, you generally require a school-leaving certificate. For vocational training in the dual system, you do not need to have it recognised for the visa. For school-based vocational training, the recognition of the foreign school-leaving certificate may be necessary. Good German skills are very important for vocational training, for example for vocational school. There is also the option of completing a language course in Germany to prepare for vocational training. Learn more details on the general requirements for vocational training here.

In addition to the general requirements, the following soft skills are helpful for vocational training in the electronic and metal industry:

• Analytical thinking
• An interest in technical correlations
• Manual skills
• Desire for practical work
• Precise and careful work
• IT skills

Have you already learned or worked in a profession, or do you have an academic degree? No problem! You can additionally complete vocational training. It can even be an advantage, if your previous experience is related to the vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade. Having your previous qualification recognised is not required.

After successfully completing vocational training, you have very good career prospects. The metal and electronic industry are motors of innovation and crucial for the Germany as an industry location. With your qualification, you have a good chance of concluding a work contract with your training company, because professionally qualified skilled workers are especially sought after by companies in Germany. During the course of your career, you can get further qualifications as specialist, technician or Meister, for example as specialist in industry 4.0  or as Meister/Meisterin in installing and heating engineering  or metal construction . Academic studies after vocational training are also an option!

To learn more about the general options after vocational training, please refer to the “Prospects after vocational training”.  On BERUFENET , you will find information on the job-specific options, depending on the vocational training.

Salary after vocational training

Similar to the training allowance, the salary as skilled worker in the electronic and metal industry depends on the company size or the federal state. The average gross salary in the electronic and metal industry ranges between €2,821 and €3,592 per month.