Career change as a farrier
With your experience you can switch to 8 jobs in Germany: 2 with on-the-job training and 6 with training or a course.
In the job search you can sort by what matters to you, save jobs and see where they lead.
Career change paths
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CNC milling machine operator
Also: Machine setter in machining
With on-the-job training
In machining you set up and operate CNC turning and milling machines that finish forged parts, with less heat and noise than at the hammer or press.
- What you bring:
- You work to the exact dimension according to drawing, know steel grades and tools and set up machines confidently.
- How to get there:
- Companies usually give skilled metal workers a few weeks to months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) on CNC machines. CNC courses at training providers take a few weeks and can often be funded with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). A qualification comes from retraining (Umschulung) as a machining mechanic (Zerspanungsmechaniker/Zerspanungsmechanikerin), which usually takes a good 2 years.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsShift workLittle customer contact€3,923gross per monthMedian salary
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Operator of automated forming lines
Also: Industrial robot operator
With on-the-job training
As a line operator you control and monitor automated production and forming lines with robots, fix faults and improve cycle times from the control desk.
- What you bring:
- You know forming processes, tool changes and process parameters at presses and quickly notice when a process is not right.
- How to get there:
- Industrial companies give experienced machine operators a few weeks to months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) on controls and robotics, and courses in control technology or robotics at training providers help additionally. Shift work is usual, but the physical strain is usually lower than at the hammer.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Shift workPhysically lightLittle customer contact€3,941gross per monthMedian salary
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Shift supervisor at a forge
Also: Certified industrial foreman, metal
With further trainingPromotion
As a shift supervisor or certified industrial foreman (Industriemeister) you lead a team in the forge or forming technology, plan jobs and setup times, ensure quality and take care of occupational safety.
- What you bring:
- You know forging presses, hammers, furnaces and tools and know how temperature, forming and cycle time determine the result.
- How to get there:
- You take further training as a certified industrial foreman, metal (Geprüfter Industriemeister Metall), at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), usually 2 to 3 years alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted with a vocational qualification and work experience. In the crafts, the master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the metalworker trade is the comparable path.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact€5,639gross per monthMedian salary
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Non-destructive testing inspector
Also: Materials tester
With retraining
In quality assurance you check components with ultrasound, magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods, measure hardness and microstructure and document the results.
- What you bring:
- You know forged parts and typical defects such as cracks, folds or laps and know how heat treatment changes materials.
- How to get there:
- You take courses in non-destructive testing under DIN EN ISO 9712 at the German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) or other training providers, a few days to weeks per method and level, with an exam and proven practice time. A vocational qualification comes from retraining (Umschulung) as a materials tester (Werkstoffprüfer/Werkstoffprüferin), which usually takes a good 2 years.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsLittle customer contact€4,177gross per monthMedian salary
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Occupational safety specialist
With further trainingPromotion
As an occupational safety specialist you advise businesses in the metal industry and crafts, assess hazards, choose protective measures and train employees.
- What you bring:
- You know heat, noise, heavy loads and the hazards at presses and hammers from your own experience.
- How to get there:
- The requirement is generally the master craftsperson exam or a technician qualification followed by work experience. After that comes the training as an occupational safety specialist (Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit) at an accident insurance provider or recognized training provider. It runs alongside work in several stages, with in-person and self-study phases.*Regulated by law (Occupational Safety Act (ASiG) § 7, DGUV Regulation 2 § 4).
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people€4,948gross per monthMedian salary
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Instructor for metal trades
Also: Instructor in a training workshop
With further trainingPromotion
As an instructor you work with trainees in the training workshop and the company, plan exercises and projects and prepare them for their exams.
- What you bring:
- You are skilled in forming, heat treatment and metalworking in practice and can demonstrate and explain techniques confidently.
- How to get there:
- Under the Vocational Training Act you need your vocational qualification, work experience and the trainer aptitude exam (Ausbildereignungsprüfung) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The course for it takes a few weeks, also alongside work. In crafts that require a license, such as the metalworker trade, the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung) generally requires the master craftsperson exam for trainers. Full-time jobs exist mainly in large companies and training centers.*Regulated by law (Vocational Training Act (BBiG) § 30, Trainer Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO); Crafts Code (HwO) § 22b).
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLittle customer contact€4,462gross per monthMedian salary
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Industrial mechanic in maintenance
Also: Maintenance technician for presses and systems
With retraining
In maintenance you service and repair machines and systems, look for faults and plan preventive maintenance.
- What you bring:
- You know hydraulics, mechanics and wear on heavy presses and hammers and pitch in yourself when there are faults.
- How to get there:
- Retraining (Umschulung) as an industrial mechanic (Industriemechaniker/Industriemechanikerin) usually takes a good 2 years and is often funded with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). With long work experience in maintenance, the external exam (Externenprüfung) is also possible. Companies also first deploy experienced smiths as helpers in maintenance.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact€4,563gross per monthMedian salary
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Mechanical engineering technician
Also: Technician in forming technology
With further trainingPromotion
As a state-certified technician you work in work planning, tool design, quality assurance or process optimization of forging and forming businesses.
- What you bring:
- You understand materials, forming and machines from practice and want to plan more and work less physically.
- How to get there:
- The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in mechanical engineering, takes 2 years full-time or usually 4 years alongside work and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Access is with a vocational qualification and usually at least one year of work experience; the rules differ by federal state.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsLittle customer contact
Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
Which jobs can I do as a farrier without vocational training or retraining?
Without a new qualification, often with on-the-job training: CNC milling machine operator and Operator of automated forming lines.
Which retraining or further training suits me as a farrier?
With vocational training, retraining, further training or a course: Shift supervisor at a forge, Non-destructive testing inspector, Occupational safety specialist, Instructor for metal trades, Industrial mechanic in maintenance and Mechanical engineering technician.
What promotion options do I have as a farrier?
Promotions include, for example: Shift supervisor at a forge, Occupational safety specialist, Instructor for metal trades and Mechanical engineering technician.
Which of these jobs pay the most?
According to official statistics, the highest median full-time salaries are: Shift supervisor at a forge (€5,639 gross per month), Occupational safety specialist (€4,948 gross per month) and Industrial mechanic in maintenance (€4,563 gross per month). Half of employees earn more, half earn less; when you start it is often lower. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), April 2025. No guarantee of accuracy.
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