Career change as an exhibition stand builder

Career change paths

• Crane operator

  Also: Tower crane operator

  With on-the-job training

  As a crane operator you move loads on construction sites, in ports or industrial halls, check the crane before starting work and work closely with the riggers, and the job is physically less strenuous than working on the ground.

  What you bring:

  You know loads, anchor points, hand signals and radio communication with the crane operator from every lift.

  How to get there:

  Crane operator courses at training providers usually take one to two weeks depending on the type of crane. After that, the employer authorizes you in writing. An occupational health examination and a head for heights are required.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €4,153gross per monthMedian salary

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• Inspector for lifting accessories and hoists

  Also: Inspector for personal fall protection equipment

  With on-the-job training

  As an inspector at rental companies, manufacturers or testing services you check lifting accessories, hoists and fall protection, document inspections and sort out defective parts.

  What you bring:

  You recognize wear on ropes, chains, straps and shackles and know when a part is no longer safe.

  How to get there:

  You take courses to become a competent person (befähigte Person) for lifting accessories, hoists or fall protection equipment, at manufacturers and training providers. They usually take a few days. After that you work mostly in the workshop and warehouse instead of at height.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €5,648gross per monthMedian salary

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• Crane fitter

  Also: Service technician for lifting technology

  With on-the-job training

  As a crane fitter or service technician for lifting technology you install, service and repair cranes, hoists and winches at customers and check their safety.

  What you bring:

  You know chain hoists, winches, ropes and cranes from daily work and understand their technology.

  How to get there:

  Manufacturers and service companies give fitters with experience in lifting technology on-the-job training (Einarbeitung), often with manufacturer courses. A metal or electrical qualification is usually expected. Without such a qualification, you can retrain (Umschulung) as an industrial mechanic (Industriemechaniker/Industriemechanikerin), which usually takes a good 2 years.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €4,563gross per monthMedian salary

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• Overhead line installer

  Also: Installer in grid expansion

  With on-the-job training

  In overhead line construction you install pylons, pull in conductor cables and tension them, service lines and help with the expansion of power grids.

  What you bring:

  You work confidently with ropes, pulls and tensioning devices at great height and know fall protection and rescue.

  How to get there:

  Overhead line construction companies give fitters who are fit for work at height and have rope experience on-the-job training (Einarbeitung), and they can require a medical fitness examination for work with a risk of falling. For electrical work you additionally need a qualification as an electrically qualified person (Elektrofachkraft). Installation at changing construction sites is the rule.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contactLots of time outdoors

  €3,657gross per monthMedian salary

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• Project manager for event technology

  Also: Production manager for events

  With on-the-job training

  As a project or production manager you plan events technically and organizationally, coordinate service providers and staff and keep to schedule and budget.

  What you bring:

  You know set-up routines, hall conditions, load plans and how trades work together at events.

  How to get there:

  Event service providers and agencies give experienced technicians on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in planning, calculation and customer contact, usually over a few months. Further training as a certified senior event specialist (Geprüfter Veranstaltungsfachwirt) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) can help later.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekends
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• Industrial climber

  Also: Work-at-height specialist

  With on-the-job training

  As an industrial climber you carry out inspection, installation and cleaning work on facades, wind turbines, bridges and industrial plants where scaffolds or lifting platforms would be too costly.

  What you bring:

  You have a head for heights, work safely on the rope and know anchoring and rescue techniques.

  How to get there:

  You train following the standards of the professional associations for rope-supported work. The first level usually takes about a week, followed by practice hours and higher levels. The courses require an occupational health examination for work with a risk of falling.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contactLots of time outdoors
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• CAD designer in timber construction

  Also: Work planner in timber construction manufacturing

  With on-the-job training

  In work planning you draw structures on the computer, create parts lists and the data for joinery or CNC machines.

  What you bring:

  You read plans, think in components and joints and know what can be implemented in the workshop and on assembly.

  How to get there:

  Some timber construction, window and stair-building companies give experienced journeymen on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in work planning, with CAD software courses of a few weeks. With a master or technician qualification the chances are much better. The work takes place mostly in the office.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,947gross per monthMedian salary

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• Set builder

  Also: Trade fair stand builder

  With on-the-job training

  In theater, film and television or trade fair construction you make and install sets, stage structures and trade fair stands, often under time pressure and with changing tasks.

  What you bring:

  You build cleanly, quickly and exactly from wood and panel materials, also from a drawing or sketch.

  How to get there:

  Theater workshops, film set outfitters and trade fair construction firms hire carpenters and joiners with a journeyman certificate (Gesellenbrief) and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung); photos of your own work help with the application. In trade fair construction, travel and night and weekend work are usual.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,987gross per monthMedian salary

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• Caretaker

  Also: In-house craftsperson

  With on-the-job training

  As a caretaker or in-house craftsperson at housing companies, schools or hospitals you keep buildings in good shape and also take care of technology, grounds and winter maintenance (snow clearing).

  What you bring:

  You can repair and adjust doors, windows, floors and built-in furniture and work cleanly even in occupied rooms.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the employer (Einarbeitung). The journeyman certificate is an advantage, and for heating and electrics, building services courses of a few weeks help. The work is usually less strenuous than on the construction site, and on-call duty can come on top.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Field technical advisor, windows and doors

  Also: Application technician at a wood-based panel or hardware manufacturer

  With on-the-job training

  At the manufacturer or wholesaler you advise craft businesses and builders, present products and clear up complaints on site.

  What you bring:

  You know wood, wood-based materials and building elements from the workshop and assembly and know where problems arise during installation.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer or wholesaler (Einarbeitung), usually a few weeks to months of product training. A journeyman certificate and driving license class B are generally expected. Look for permanent employment, because as a self-employed sales agent you usually work only on commission.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross per monthMedian salary

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• Event technology specialist

  Also: Event technician

  With retrainingPromotion

  As an event technology specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik) you plan and set up lighting, sound and video technology, operate systems during the event and are responsible for safe operation.

  What you bring:

  You know rigging, trusses, chain hoists and stage construction and work safely at height.

  How to get there:

  Vocational training (Ausbildung) as an event technology specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik) normally takes 3 years, and retraining (Umschulung) usually takes about 2 years. With long work experience, the external exam (Externenprüfung) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is also possible, and the IHK decides on admission. Evening, weekend and touring work are usual in the industry.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,740gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master for event technology

  Also: Stage master

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master for event technology you lead set-ups and performances, plan staff and technology, check safety and carry the technical responsibility.

  What you bring:

  You know loads, lifting accessories and safety rules on stages and in halls and have experience with large structures.

  How to get there:

  You take further training as a certified master for event technology (Geprüfter Meister für Veranstaltungstechnik) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) alongside work. It can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications), and the duration depends on the provider. You are admitted with a qualification as an event technology specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik), with another vocational qualification and at least one year of work experience, or after at least four years of work experience; the IHK checks your evidence.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demanding

  €3,924gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master carpenter

  Also: Installation manager in timber construction

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master craftsperson (Meister) or installation manager you plan assignments and material, lead the installation on the site and check execution.

  What you bring:

  You read workshop and installation plans, take measurements and fit timber components exactly, often in cooperation with other trades.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the carpentry or joinery trade takes about one year full-time and 2 to 3 years alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted with the journeyman certificate (Gesellenbrief). For your own carpentry business you need the master qualification or an equivalent entitlement, because the carpentry trade requires a license.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically demandingLots of time outdoors
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• State-certified construction technician

  Also: Building energy consultant

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a construction technician you plan components, prepare tenders and supervise execution; as an energy consultant you assess buildings for renovations.

  What you bring:

  You know timber structures, connections and components from installation practice and know what matters with dimensions and tolerances.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for construction technology (Fachschule für Bautechnik), at some schools with a focus on timber construction, takes 2 years full-time or about 4 years alongside work and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Access is usually with a journeyman certificate and at least one year of work experience; the federal state sets the exact rules. With a master or technician qualification, further training to become a building energy consultant is also possible.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hours

  €5,500gross per monthMedian salary

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• Instructor in the carpentry or joinery trade

  Also: Instructor at an inter-company training center

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an instructor you work with trainees in the workshop and in courses and prepare them for the journeyman exam.

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in wood joints, machines and installation in practice and can demonstrate techniques well.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the carpentry or joinery trade also includes trainer aptitude (Ausbildereignung). It takes about one year full-time and longer alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You can take the exam with the journeyman certificate, but for instructor jobs companies and training centers usually expect several years of work experience.*Regulated by law (Crafts Code (HwO) § 22b).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €4,462gross per monthMedian salary

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• Expert for the carpentry or joinery trade

  Also: Claims adjuster for building damage

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an expert or claims adjuster you assess damage on site, estimate the renovation effort and write expert reports for insurers, courts or clients.

  What you bring:

  You recognize moisture damage, pest infestation and execution errors in roof trusses, timber structures, stairs or windows and know how they are properly fixed.

  How to get there:

  This usually follows the master craftsperson exam and several years of work experience. Chambers of crafts and training providers offer courses for experts alongside work, for example for wood protection or timber construction. Insurers give new adjusters on-the-job training themselves (Einarbeitung). To become publicly appointed and sworn, the chamber must first check your special expertise.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people
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• Occupational safety specialist

  Also: Safety specialist in construction

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an occupational safety specialist you advise businesses, assess hazards on construction sites and in workshops, investigate accidents and train the employees.

  What you bring:

  You know fall hazards, assembly at height, lifting gear and machines such as circular saws 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 a statutory accident insurance fund (Berufsgenossenschaft), for example BG BAU. 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 hours

  €4,948gross per monthMedian salary

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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.