Career change as a locksmith and metalworker

Career change paths

• Technical systems planner, steel and metal construction technology

  Also: CAD designer in metal construction

  With on-the-job training

  In design you draw stairs, railings, facades or steel components on the computer and create workshop plans and parts lists.

  What you bring:

  You read workshop drawings every day and know what can really be implemented in the workshop and on installation.

  How to get there:

  Some metal construction companies train experienced journeymen in design on the job (Einarbeitung), often with courses for the CAD software of a few weeks. A qualification of your own comes from retraining (Umschulung) as a technical systems planner (Technischer Systemplaner/Technische Systemplanerin), specialization steel and metal construction technology, which usually takes a good 2 years.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,717gross per monthMedian salary

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• Non-destructive testing inspector

  Also: Quality inspector in steel construction

  With on-the-job training

  In quality assurance you check components and welds with measuring tools and non-destructive methods and document the results.

  What you bring:

  You know welds, dimensional tolerances and typical manufacturing defects from your own work.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training in quality assurance (Einarbeitung), plus courses with an exam under DIN EN ISO 9712, usually one to several weeks per method and level. For the certificate you additionally need proven practice in the method. Testing bodies and larger steel construction companies hire skilled metal workers for this.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLittle customer contact

  €4,177gross per monthMedian salary

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• Field technical advisor, metal construction systems

  Also: Application technician for profile and facade systems

  With on-the-job training

  At the system manufacturer or wholesaler you advise metal construction businesses and planners, train installers and help with technical problems and complaints.

  What you bring:

  You know profiles, fittings, fasteners and installation situations from practice and know what questions metalworkers have.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer or wholesaler (Einarbeitung) with product training, usually for a few weeks to months. A journeyman certificate and driving license class B are generally expected, often also a master or technician qualification. 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 hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €5,550gross per monthMedian salary

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• Elevator installer

  Also: Service technician for elevator systems

  With on-the-job training

  At an elevator company you install elevators, service them and look for faults, and you additionally learn electrics and controls for that.

  What you bring:

  You install heavy components safely and exactly, read plans and work independently on changing construction sites.

  How to get there:

  Elevator companies hire metalworkers and other skilled workers and train them internally (Einarbeitung), usually over several months. This often includes a qualification as an electrically qualified person for defined tasks (Elektrofachkraft für festgelegte Tätigkeiten). In service, standby duty and many trips to customers are usual.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,260gross 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, municipalities or hospitals you keep buildings in good shape and take care of technology, grounds and winter maintenance (snow clearing).

  What you bring:

  You can repair and adjust gates, doors, railings and fittings and adapt metal parts on site.

  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 in steel and metal construction, and on-call duty can come on top.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Robot programmer

  Also: Robotics commissioning technician

  With on-the-job training

  In automation you program industrial robots, set up robot cells, optimize processes and fix faults.

  What you bring:

  You understand mechanics, drives and pneumatics of systems and can look for faults systematically.

  How to get there:

  You take programming courses from the robot manufacturers or training providers, usually a few days to weeks per control system, plus on-the-job training on the systems in the company or at the plant builder (Einarbeitung). Basic knowledge of electrical and control technology is needed. As a commissioning technician you are often on installation at customers.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €5,237gross per monthMedian salary

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• Commissioning technician

  Also: Service technician in machine and plant construction

  With on-the-job training

  At the machine or plant builder you commission new systems at the customer's, adjust them, train the operating staff and fix faults in service.

  What you bring:

  You know mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics of machines and find faults systematically and independently.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer (Einarbeitung), usually several months with training on controls and plant technology. Basic knowledge of electrical and control technology and English are often needed. Willingness to travel in Germany and abroad is required, and assignments sometimes last several weeks.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLots of contact with people

  €4,191gross per monthMedian salary

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• CAM programmer

  Also: CNC programmer in tool making

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As a CAM programmer you create machining programs from 3D models, choose tools and strategies and simulate the processes before the machine runs.

  What you bring:

  You know milling, EDM and grinding, clamping devices and cutting values from practice at CNC machines.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training in the company (Einarbeitung), usually after some years at CNC machines, plus training on the respective CAM system with the software provider or training providers, lasting a few days to weeks. A course to become a CNC specialist at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or training providers makes the start easier if you have mainly worked conventionally so far.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,307gross per monthMedian salary

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• Surgical instrument manufacturing worker

  Also: Fine machining specialist in medical technology

  With on-the-job training

  In medical technology you make, adjust and test surgical instruments, implants or precision mechanical assemblies, often in small quantities and under strict documentation rules.

  What you bring:

  You work with tolerances in the thousandths range, master grinding, EDM and fine machining and know tool steels and their heat treatment.

  How to get there:

  Manufacturers of surgical instruments and precision mechanical medical technology, especially in the Tuttlingen area, give tool mechanics a few weeks to months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You learn the rules for cleanliness and traceability of medical products in the company. Anyone who trained in the instrument technology field of application (Einsatzgebiet Instrumententechnik) finds it especially easy to connect.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €4,000gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master metalworker

  Also: Certified industrial foreman, metal

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master craftsperson (Meister) you lead the workshop or production, plan jobs and staff and ensure quality and occupational safety.

  What you bring:

  You know production and installation in metal construction from the drawing to the installed component and know where time and material are lost.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the metalworker trade takes about one year full-time and 2 to 3 years alongside work. The alternative is further training as a certified industrial foreman, specialization metal (Geprüfter Industriemeister Fachrichtung Metall), usually about 2 years alongside work. Both can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted with your journeyman or skilled worker certificate (Gesellen- oder Facharbeiterbrief); for the industrial foreman, the second exam part follows after another year of work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Little customer contact

  €4,781gross per monthMedian salary

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• State-certified mechanical engineering technician

  Also: Technician in steel and metal construction

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you create designs and workshop plans, plan production and installation and look after customers and projects.

  What you bring:

  You understand structures, materials and manufacturing processes from the workshop and the construction site.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in mechanical engineering, at some schools also metal construction 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 vocational qualification and at least one year of work experience; the federal state sets the exact rules.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekends
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• Instructor in the metalworker trade

  Also: Instructor in a training workshop

  With further trainingPromotion

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

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in metalworking, welding and installation in practice and can demonstrate work steps well.

  How to get there:

  In the crafts, the route is the master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the metalworker trade, which also includes trainer aptitude (Ausbildereignung) and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). In industrial companies, under the Vocational Training Act, your skilled worker qualification, work experience and the trainer aptitude exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) are enough. Preparation courses are optional, and their length depends on the provider.*Regulated by law (Vocational Training Act (BBiG) § 30, Crafts Code (HwO) § 22b, Trainer Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLittle customer contact

  €4,462gross per monthMedian salary

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• Installation manager in steel and metal construction

  Also: Foreman for metal work

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an installation manager you lead installation crews on the site, plan material and lifting technology, coordinate with the site management and other trades and accept the finished work.

  What you bring:

  You know installation plans, lifting gear, connections and the course of steel, metal and facade construction sites from your own experience.

  How to get there:

  This usually follows the master craftsperson exam in the metalworker trade or technician training, both of which can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted to the master craftsperson exam with the journeyman certificate. In some companies, experienced fitters take over installation management after long installation practice, also with on-the-job training. Travel and changing construction sites are part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contactLots of time outdoors

  €4,910gross per monthMedian salary

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• Service technician for refrigeration and air conditioning systems

  Also: Service technician for heat pumps

  With further training

  In refrigeration and air conditioning technology you install, test and service refrigeration systems, air conditioners and heat pumps at customers' premises.

  What you bring:

  You know pumps, compressors, pipelines and controls from maintenance and work cleanly and systematically.

  How to get there:

  For work on refrigerant circuits with fluorinated refrigerants you need an expertise certificate (Sachkundebescheinigung): a course with a theoretical and practical 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 demandingLots of contact with people

  €3,992gross per monthMedian salary

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• Occupational safety specialist

  Also: Safety supervisor

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an occupational safety specialist you advise the company, assess hazards, investigate accidents and train employees.

  What you bring:

  You know hazards at machines, in maintenance and installation from your own experience and know how protective devices work.

  How to get there:

  The requirement is generally the master craftsperson exam, for example as a certified industrial foreman (Industriemeister), 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). 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 weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €4,948gross per monthMedian salary

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• Power plant operator

  Also: Plant operator in a combined heat and power plant

  With further training

  As a power plant operator you monitor systems in heating, waste-to-energy or industrial power plants, run them from the control room and take care of faults on site.

  What you bring:

  You know pumps, fittings, pipelines and drives from maintenance and can narrow down faults systematically.

  How to get there:

  You start with on-the-job training in shift work (Einarbeitung), plus the further training as a certified power plant operator (Geprüfter Kraftwerker) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or a power plant school, which takes about one to two years alongside work. A qualification in a metal or electrical trade and work experience are usually required. Rotating shifts with night and weekend work are the rule.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workLittle customer contact

  €5,720gross 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.