Double apprenticeship: Mechatronic technician – automation technology, electrician – plant and operational technology

In your training to be a mechatronics technician, you will learn how technical plans are read, how to assemble sub-assemblies and components for machines and systems, how mechatronic systems are programmed, and how these systems are configured.

As a mechatronics technician for automation technology, you might work together with colleagues and other skilled workers from the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, information technology, and mechanical engineering at design firms, workshops, and production halls. You will also meet with customers at their place of business for assembly, adjustment, and service work.

As an electrician, you have a wide range of duties: You plan, assemble, install, service, and repair various electrical and electronic devices and systems, including high and low voltage systems, control engineering and feedback control systems, alarm systems, monitoring systems, electric doors and gates, electric building installations (power lines), electric machines, and industrial machines and systems. Depending on your speciality area, you’ll work in production halls and workshops, at customer’s places of business, on construction sites, or in an office.

• Set up, configure, commission, test, and document automation systems in mechatronic plants
• Systematically locate, isolate, and eliminate faults, defects, and malfunctions in automation systems
• Maintain, service, and repair automation systems
• Alter, expand, optimize mechatronic systems and automation systems according to specifications and plans
• Set up, commission and test measuring equipment, bus systems, components and sub-assemblies for control engineering and feedback control systems, hydraulics and pneumatics
• Calibrate measuring instruments and sensors
• Control and program industrial robots (e.g. through PLC)
• Carry out process planning and work planning: define work steps, work materials, and work methods
• Also produce sketches and simple standard technical drawings and circuit diagrams through the use of computer aided systems and special computer programs (e.g. CAD)
• Use craft techniques and processes; process materials through sawing, drilling, sanding, filing, threading, etc.
• Make detachable and non-detachable connections, e.g. using screws, pins, clamp connections, soldered connections and plug-in connections
• Read and use technical documents like sketches, drawings, circuit diagrams, operating instructions, etc.
• Clean and maintain the equipment, tools, machines, measuring and testing instruments, and work aids used
• Account for applicable safety standards and regulations (e.g. the Machine Safety Regulation, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulation), as well as environmental and quality standards in all work
• Quality management and quality control
• Plan, install, and service electronic equipment and systems
• Monitor electronic equipment and systems for malfunctions