Vocational training as a car mechatronics technician
‘You never stop learning.’, Beatrix, apprentice at Autohaus Fischer GmbH
How does your apprenticeship work?
It’s a dual training programme. At vocational college, we learn the theoretical basics, i.e. how a vehicle is constructed and how everything works together, and then we learn the practical aspects here at the company. However, there are also various inter-company courses for automotive mechatronics technicians on topics such as wheel alignment, electrics or clutches.
Mechatronics is very popular – what do you like about it?
It’s a very complex field. On the one hand, there are the mechanics, for example the brakes, the wheels and the bodywork. Today, however, everything is linked via electronics and there is a lot of data transfer. You have to be well versed in both areas. I find the job varied and actually do something different every day. And I have to be able to approach problems logically in order to solve them.
What qualities should you have?
Of course you should be interested in vehicles. It’s also physically demanding work and you’re active all day. Physics and chemistry also play a major role. I don’t just replace components, I have to analyse what kind of wear and tear? Why does a brake get hot?
Where will you be working later?
Normally in the workshop when repairing motor vehicles. On the other hand, you can go into customer service – like me, for example. I work as a service advisor and am the link between the customer and the workshop, talking to the customer, taking delivery of the vehicle and placing the order. You can also train to become a service technician. And there are many different vocational training courses, for example for electric vehicles. So I never stop learning here.
Facts and figures about vocational training as a motor vehicle mechatronics technician
- Duration of the apprenticeship: 3.5 years
- Prerequisites: Secondary/secondary school leaving certificate
- Apprenticeship pay: €800 to €1,000
Alternative apprenticeships
- Two-wheel mechatronics technician (FR bicycle or motorbike technology),
Vehicle painter, - Bodywork and vehicle construction mechanic (FR bodywork maintenance technology or bodywork and vehicle construction technology)
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