Career change as an event technician

Career change paths

• Media technician at a university

  Also: IT and media technician in a company

  With on-the-job training

  At universities, public authorities or companies you look after conference rooms, lecture halls and video conferencing systems, train users, and usually work regular hours.

  What you bring:

  You set up sound, image, projection and cameras quickly and fix faults, even when the audience is already waiting.

  How to get there:

  Employers usually give specialists from event or media technology a few weeks of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in their systems and network. Basic IT knowledge is important, and vendor training for conference and control technology often takes only a few days.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically light

  €4,400gross per monthMedian salary

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• Network technician

  Also: Systems technician for networked media technology

  With on-the-job training

  As a network or systems technician you plan, install and look after networks and servers at companies, IT system integrators or broadcasters.

  What you bring:

  You work with networked sound, video and control systems and know signal paths, protocols and troubleshooting.

  How to get there:

  IT system integrators and companies give media technicians with IT knowledge on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Vendor certificates for network technology, which you gain in courses of a few weeks, help you with this. You can earn an IT qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as IT specialist (Fachinformatiker), which usually takes a good two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLittle customer contact

  €5,667gross per monthMedian salary

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• Production manager for film and television

  Also: Post-production supervisor

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As production manager or post-production supervisor you plan shooting days or post-production, staff and technology, organize permits and service providers, and make sure the production stays within time and budget.

  What you bring:

  You know the processes on set, in the studio, in editing and in live productions, and you know what technology, team and schedule need.

  How to get there:

  Production companies and broadcasters often fill such jobs with experienced people from technology or production, usually after some projects as an assistant. Jobs can be project-based and fixed-term. Courses in production management at industry training providers can help.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workLittle customer contact
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• Event project manager

  Also: Event manager

  With on-the-job training

  As a project manager you plan congresses, company events or trade fairs, get quotes, coordinate service providers and technology, and look after customers from the first idea to the dismantling.

  What you bring:

  You know events from the technical side, and you know what set-up, schedule and safety really require.

  How to get there:

  Agencies and organizers usually train specialists from event technology on the job, during a running project. You can add commercial basics in courses. You can earn a commercial qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as event management clerk (Veranstaltungskaufmann), which usually takes about two years.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsLots of contact with people

  €4,165gross per monthMedian salary

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• Sales employee for media and event technology

  Also: Technical specialist adviser at an AV specialist retailer

  With on-the-job training

  At manufacturers, rental companies or specialist retailers you advise customers, plan suitable systems, prepare quotes and support projects through to handover.

  What you bring:

  You know mixing consoles, speakers, cameras and lighting systems from hands-on experience, and you know what works in which environment.

  How to get there:

  Manufacturers and retailers give technicians on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) with product and sales training lasting a few weeks to a few months. A class B driving license is usually expected. Look for a permanent position, because as a self-employed commercial agent you usually work on commission only.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross 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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• CAD planner, electrical engineering

  Also: Technical systems planner, electrical engineering

  With on-the-job training

  At the planning office you draw installation, circuit and distribution diagrams on the computer and support the project managers.

  What you bring:

  You know installations, cable routes and circuit diagrams from the construction site and know what can really be implemented.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the planning office or at an electrical business (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), which can often be shortened with a journeyman certificate.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,717gross 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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• Building technician in a cultural center

  Also: Caretaker

  With on-the-job training

  As a building technician or caretaker in cultural centers, schools or residential complexes you keep buildings and technology in good shape, usually at more regular hours than in performance operations.

  What you bring:

  You can build and repair things, look after lighting and technology, and work independently.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the employer. Practical experience is an advantage there, and for heating and electrics, building technology courses of a few weeks help. On-call duty and winter service may be part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursPhysically demanding

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Trade fair builder

  Also: Set builder

  With on-the-job training

  In trade fair and store construction or in set workshops you build booths, exhibitions and decorations and design rooms for customers.

  What you bring:

  You build props and decorations, can work with wood, paint and fabric, and work precisely under time pressure.

  How to get there:

  Trade fair construction companies and workshops usually give people with craft skills on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) directly. Installations often take place away from home and in short, intense phases. If you want a qualification of your own, you can do vocational training (Ausbildung) as scenic painter and sculptor (Bühnenmaler und Bühnenplastiker) or carpenter (Tischler), depending on the direction also as retraining (Umschulung).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding
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• Trainer for event technology

  Also: Lecturer in sound and media technology

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a trainer or lecturer you look after apprentices and course participants at a company, training center or media academy and prepare them for their exams.

  What you bring:

  You have mastered sound, lighting, video and safety rules in practice, and you can explain how things connect.

  How to get there:

  With a vocational qualification and work experience you generally meet the professional requirements. You also need to pass the trainer aptitude exam (Ausbildereignungsprüfung) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The preparation course takes a few weeks and can be done alongside a job. Full-time jobs exist mainly at training providers, media academies and larger event companies.*Regulated by law (§ 30 Vocational Training Act (BBiG), Trainer Aptitude Ordinance (AEVO)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLittle customer contact

  €5,075gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master electrician

  Also: Construction manager, electrical engineering, Project manager, electrical installation

  With further trainingPromotion

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

  What you bring:

  You know installation, switchgear assembly, testing and construction site routines from your own work.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the electrical technician trade (Elektrotechniker-Handwerk) 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 hours

  €5,301gross 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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• Fire officer at a professional fire department

  With further training

  In the fire service you also handle firefighting, technical assistance and emergency medical service, and your electrical knowledge helps in operations at buildings and systems.

  What you bring:

  You have a trade qualification, work confidently with tools and technology and keep a clear head even under pressure.

  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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• 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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• Technical director of a theater

  Also: Technical director of an event venue

  With further trainingPromotion

  As technical director of a theater or an event venue you are responsible for set-up, staff and safety on stages, in halls or assembly venues.

  What you bring:

  You know stage technology, safety rules and how rehearsals and performances run from many years of practice.

  How to get there:

  Alongside your job, you can take the further training course for master craftsperson in event technology (Meister für Veranstaltungstechnik) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). 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 event technology specialist (Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik), with other vocational training plus at least one year of work experience, or with at least four years of work experience. The assembly venue ordinances of the states regulate who bears the technical responsibility at large events.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact
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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.