Career change as a fitter

Career change paths

• Quality inspector in vehicle construction

  Also: Assembly quality assurance specialist

  With on-the-job training

  In quality assurance, you check components and finished assemblies according to inspection plans, document errors and clarify causes with assembly.

  What you bring:

  You know components, tightening torques, fits and typical assembly errors from your own work.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in quality assurance, often after some time in assembly. Courses on measurement technology or quality inspection of a few days to weeks help. Accuracy and good German skills for the documentation are expected.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsShift workLittle customer contact

  €4,159gross per monthMedian salary

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• Line operator in automated assembly

  Also: Industrial robot operator

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  At automated assembly lines, you monitor robots and stations, fix faults, change over and make sure the line runs.

  What you bring:

  You know assembly processes, components and quality requirements and understand what a plant has to achieve.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the plant, often with manufacturer training of a few days to weeks. Courses on control technology or robotics at training providers are often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). With training as a mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker/in), you can later also get setter and maintenance jobs.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €3,941gross per monthMedian salary

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• CNC specialist

  Also: CNC machine operator

  With on-the-job training

  As a CNC specialist, you operate lathes and milling machines, load parts, check dimensions and gradually learn setting up and programming.

  What you bring:

  You read work instructions and simple drawings, work precisely and know measuring tools from inspection in assembly.

  How to get there:

  A course to become a CNC specialist at a training provider usually takes a few months and is often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). After that comes on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the company. A skilled worker qualification comes from retraining (Umschulung) as a machining mechanic (Zerspanungsmechaniker/in), usually a good 2 years.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsShift workLittle customer contact

  €3,923gross per monthMedian salary

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• Welder

  Also: MAG welder

  With on-the-job training

  As a welder, you join components in steel, tank or vehicle construction, prepare seams and test them to specification.

  What you bring:

  You know components, fits, fixtures and assembly sequences and work exactly to drawing.

  How to get there:

  A welding course with an exam under DIN EN ISO 9606-1 in one process usually takes a few weeks at training providers or welding training centers. Funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) is possible if the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or Jobcenter approves it. After that comes on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the company, for example in steel, tank or vehicle construction. Further processes and positions widen your options.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,647gross per monthMedian salary

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• Factory customer service technician

  Also: Technical field sales advisor

  With on-the-job training

  At a manufacturer you commission systems, solve difficult faults, train specialist businesses and advise planners and installers.

  What you bring:

  You know boilers, heat pumps and controls of different manufacturers from installation and customer service.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer (Einarbeitung) with product training, usually for a few weeks to months. The journeyman certificate is required, and experience in customer service and a driving license class B are expected. Travel in the sales territory is part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLots of contact with people

  €5,034gross per monthMedian salary

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• Technical systems planner for supply and equipment technology

  Also: CAD drafter for building services

  With on-the-job training

  At a planning office you draw heating, ventilation and sanitary plans on the computer, lay out pipes and support the project managers.

  What you bring:

  You know pipe routing, components and the situation on the construction site and know what can really be installed.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the planning office (Einarbeitung) plus a CAD course of a few weeks to months, which can often be funded with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). A qualification of your own comes from vocational training (Ausbildung) as a technical systems planner (Technischer Systemplaner/Technische Systemplanerin), specialization supply and equipment technology, which can often be shortened with a journeyman certificate.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Waterworks operator

  Also: Employee at a wastewater treatment plant

  With on-the-job training

  At the waterworks or wastewater treatment plant you service systems, monitor measured values and make sure water is treated cleanly.

  What you bring:

  You know pumps, fittings, pipelines and drinking water hygiene from installation.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at municipal utilities or special-purpose associations (Einarbeitung), plus courses of the professional associations, for example for waterworks or sewage plant operators, usually for a few weeks. A qualification of your own comes from vocational training (Ausbildung) as an environmental technologist for water supply or for wastewater management (Umwelttechnologe/Umwelttechnologin; formerly water supply technology specialist or wastewater technology specialist), which is often shortened with a journeyman certificate. On-call duty is usual.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €4,070gross per monthMedian salary

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• Building services technician

  Also: Building technology caretaker

  With on-the-job training

  As a building services technician you look after large buildings such as hospitals, schools or housing complexes, check the technology and commission specialist firms.

  What you bring:

  You can service and repair heating systems, water pipes and sanitary systems and find faults yourself.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at housing companies, municipalities, hospitals or facility service providers (Einarbeitung). The journeyman certificate is often a requirement for the technical jobs. Working hours are usually more predictable than in construction site work, but there is often on-call duty.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Service technician for elevators

  Also: Service technician for wind turbines

  With on-the-job training

  In service for elevators or wind turbines you maintain these systems regularly, fix faults and are usually out alone or in pairs.

  What you bring:

  You read circuit diagrams, look for faults in controls and work confidently on electrical systems.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer or service company (Einarbeitung), usually several months with its own training courses. For wind turbines you need fitness for work at height and safety trainings, for example on rescue at height and first aid, which the employer usually organizes. Standby duty and travel are usual.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,800gross per monthMedian salary

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• Grid fitter

  Also: Electronics technician in the distribution grid

  With on-the-job training

  At the grid operator you build and maintain local grids, house connections and substations and work a lot outdoors.

  What you bring:

  You know cables, distribution boards, protection technology and the safety rules for working on electrical systems.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the grid operator or a grid construction company (Einarbeitung), plus training on switching authorization and live working, which the company organizes. On-call duty for faults is often part of the job. With the journeyman certificate as an electronics technician you are usually hired directly.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLots of time outdoors

  €3,657gross per monthMedian salary

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• Service technician for fire alarm and security systems

  Also: Installer of hazard alarm systems

  With on-the-job training

  In security technology you install and service fire alarm, intruder alarm and video systems and instruct customers in their operation.

  What you bring:

  You install cables, connect devices and test systems according to regulations.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at an installer company (Einarbeitung), plus manufacturer courses and courses to become a fire alarm system specialist under DIN 14675, usually lasting a few days to weeks. Electronics technicians with a journeyman certificate bring the right foundation for this area.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLots of contact with people

  €4,000gross per monthMedian salary

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• Field sales representative, electrical engineering

  Also: Technical specialist advisor in electrical wholesale

  With on-the-job training

  In wholesale or at manufacturers you advise electrical businesses on products, prepare offers and support planning.

  What you bring:

  You know from practice which material, devices and solutions work on the construction site.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the wholesaler or manufacturer (Einarbeitung), often first in inside sales or at the specialist counter, usually with a few weeks to months of product training. A driving license class B is almost always required. Look for permanent employment: as a self-employed sales agent you usually work only on commission and bear the risk yourself.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross per monthMedian salary

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• Commissioning technician

  Also: Automation service technician

  With on-the-job training

  As a commissioning technician you commission machines and systems at the customer's, test safety functions, look for faults and instruct the staff, often also abroad.

  What you bring:

  You know circuit diagrams, wiring, measurements and troubleshooting in electrical systems from practice.

  How to get there:

  Plant and machine builders hire electronics technicians with a journeyman certificate and train them on the job over several months (Einarbeitung). Knowledge of control technology (PLC) is needed and can be gained in courses of a few weeks. Long installation periods and travel are usual, and English is often needed.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLots of contact with people

  €4,191gross per monthMedian salary

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• Industrial mechanic

  Also: Maintenance employee

  With retrainingPromotion

  As an industrial mechanic, you assemble complex machines, service and repair plants and work more independently than in series assembly.

  What you bring:

  You know assemblies, assembly sequences, tools and inspection specifications from daily work.

  How to get there:

  Retraining (Umschulung) as an industrial mechanic (Industriemechaniker) usually takes a good 2 years and is often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). Partial qualifications make it possible to take the path in several steps too. From age 25, you can also have your work experience assessed in a validation procedure at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and make up missing parts in a targeted way.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €4,205gross per monthMedian salary

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• Lead hand in assembly

  Also: Certified industrial foreman (Industriemeister) in metal

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a lead hand, shift leader or foreman (Meister), you assign people, ensure quantities and quality and are the contact person for your team.

  What you bring:

  You know assembly processes, cycle times, quality specifications and the typical bottlenecks at the line.

  How to get there:

  This usually happens in stages, via lead hand work (Vorarbeit) or shift leadership after some years at the company. The upgrading course to become a certified industrial foreman in the field of metal (Geprüfte/r Industriemeister/in Fachrichtung Metall) is possible part-time alongside work and is eligible for Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). With a metal occupation, you are admitted directly to the first part of the exam, with another qualification after 2 years, and without a vocational qualification after 4 years of work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €5,814gross per monthMedian salary

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• Warehouse specialist

  Also: Warehouse logistics specialist

  With retraining

  In logistics, you receive goods, store them, provide material for production and work with a forklift and warehouse management system.

  What you bring:

  You know the variety of parts, material provision at the line and the consequences of missing parts from assembly.

  How to get there:

  Retraining (Umschulung) as a warehouse specialist (Fachlagerist/in) usually takes about 16 months, and as a warehouse logistics specialist (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik) usually 2 years. Both are often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). The forklift license is usually included.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,235gross per monthMedian salary

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• Automotive mechatronics technician

  Also: Automotive mechatronics technician for systems and high-voltage technology

  With retraining

  In the workshop, you inspect, maintain and repair vehicles, look for faults with diagnostic devices and also work on electric and hybrid drives.

  What you bring:

  You know assemblies, assembly sequences and inspection specifications and work carefully with a torque wrench and screwdriver.

  How to get there:

  Retraining (Umschulung) as an automotive mechatronics technician (Kfz-Mechatroniker/in) usually takes a good 2 years and is often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). The alternative is vocational training (Ausbildung) of 3.5 years. For work on high-voltage systems, you need additional training, which is provided during the training or at the company.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,527gross per monthMedian salary

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• Train driver

  Also: Locomotive driver

  With further training

  As a locomotive driver, you drive passenger or freight trains, check your vehicle before the trip and fix minor faults on the way.

  What you bring:

  You are used to shift work, work exactly to regulations and have a technical understanding of vehicles and plants.

  How to get there:

  You qualify as a train driver (Triebfahrzeugführer) with a railway company or training provider, usually in about one year, and it is often eligible for funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). The law requires a lower secondary school-leaving certificate (Sekundarstufe I), as a rule a minimum age of 20, and medical and psychological fitness. Some employers also expect a completed vocational training.*Regulated by law (Train Driver License Ordinance (TfV) § 5).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workLittle customer contact

  €4,322gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master plumbing and heating installer

  Also: Construction manager, building services, Project manager, plumbing and heating (SHK)

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master craftsperson (Meister) or site manager you plan and calculate jobs, lead fitters and coordinate with customers and other trades.

  What you bring:

  You know pipe installation, heating technology, bathrooms and construction site routines from your own work.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the plumbing and heating installer 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 business you need the master qualification or an equivalent entitlement, because the trade requires a license.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• State-certified technician for heating, ventilation and air conditioning

  Also: Technical building services planner

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you plan and calculate such systems, write bills of quantities and look after projects at a planning office or at manufacturers.

  What you bring:

  You know from practice how heating, ventilation and drinking water systems are built and where execution gets stuck.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, 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.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• Building energy consultant

  Also: Energy consultant

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an energy consultant you check buildings and heating, issue energy performance certificates and renovation roadmaps and advise owners on funding options.

  What you bring:

  You know heating systems, heat pumps and hot water exactly and quickly see where energy is lost in a house.

  How to get there:

  You take a course to become a building energy consultant at the chamber of crafts or a training provider, usually a few months alongside work. As a tradesperson you may issue energy performance certificates if you meet the requirements for entry in the register of craftsmen (Handwerksrolle), so usually with a master certificate, and can show the training required by law. The law also provides for a qualification exam in energy consulting at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). For state-funded consultations you additionally need an entry in the federal list of experts (Expertenliste).*Regulated by law (Building Modernization Act (GModG, formerly Building Energy Act) § 88).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €5,500gross per monthMedian salary

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• Service technician for heat pumps and air conditioners

  Also: Refrigeration mechatronics technician

  With further training

  With heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, you also deal with refrigerant circuits, refrigerants and more electrics.

  What you bring:

  You know heating systems, hydraulic balancing, controls and pipe connections from practice.

  How to get there:

  Expertise exam (Sachkundeprüfung) for work on refrigerant circuits with fluorinated refrigerants: a course with exam, usually a few days to two weeks. A technical or trade vocational qualification is required, which you already have. After that you get on-the-job training at the specialist company (Einarbeitung). A qualification of your own comes from a shortened vocational training as a refrigeration mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker/Mechatronikerin für Kältetechnik).*Regulated by law (Regulation (EU) 2024/573 Art. 10, Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (ChemKlimaschutzV) §§ 5, 6).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,992gross per monthMedian salary

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• Fire officer at a professional fire department

  With further training

  In the fire service, firefighting, technical assistance and emergency medical service come on top, and your knowledge of pipes and house connections helps in many operations.

  What you bring:

  You have a trade qualification, work physically and in a team and know water, gas and heating pipes.

  How to get there:

  Training at a professional fire department as a civil servant usually takes 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the federal state, and often includes the emergency medical technician course. The requirement is usually a completed trade or technical vocational qualification, plus a sports test, medical fitness and maximum age limits, which differ by state and city.*Regulated by law (Career and training ordinances of the federal states for the technical fire service).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demanding

  €4,118gross per monthMedian salary

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• Instructor in the plumbing and heating trade

  Also: Instructor at an inter-company training facility

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an instructor you work with trainees in the business or in courses of the chamber and guild and prepare them for the journeyman exam.

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in pipe installation, heating and sanitary technology in practice and can demonstrate work steps well.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the plumbing and heating installer 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 hoursLittle customer contact

  €4,462gross per monthMedian salary

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• Expert for tap water damage

  Also: Claims assessor for insurers

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an expert for tap water damage you use measuring technology to find the cause of water damage, assess the extent and renovation and write expert reports for insurers, property managers and courts.

  What you bring:

  You know pipes, connections, materials and typical causes of damage from installation and repair.

  How to get there:

  You often start at a leak detection or remediation company with training on measuring equipment such as thermography and moisture measurement, usually for a few weeks (Einarbeitung). For your own expert reports, insurers usually expect the master qualification and an expert course at chambers or associations. Public appointment and swearing in by the Chamber of Crafts only follows after a check of your special expertise.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hours

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• State-certified electrical engineering technician

  Also: Electrical planner

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you plan electrical systems, create circuit diagrams and tenders and look after projects in planning offices, industry or at grid operators.

  What you bring:

  You understand circuits, protective measures, building technology and standards from practice.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in electrical engineering, 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.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €5,301gross per monthMedian salary

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• Grid controller in the grid control center

  Also: Power plant operator

  With further trainingPromotion

  In the control center of a grid operator you monitor and control the power grid, plan shutdowns and coordinate fault deployments; in a power plant you run and monitor the systems in shift work.

  What you bring:

  You know protection technology, switchgear and the safety rules for electrical systems from practice.

  How to get there:

  Grid operators usually fill control centers with masters or technicians with experience in grid operation and train them internally over many months. An intermediate step can be the move into grid operation with switching authorization. For power plants there is the further training as a certified power plant operator (Geprüfter Kraftwerker): you are admitted with an electrical qualification, plus at least 12 months of structured further training at the power plant and one year of practice in plant operation. Shift work is usual in both areas.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €5,470gross 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.