Career change as a workshop manager

Career change paths

• Service advisor at a car dealership

  Also: Car salesperson

  With on-the-job training

  At service reception or in sales you take orders, advise on repairs and vehicles and keep in contact until handover.

  What you bring:

  You can explain technology clearly to customers, assess repairs and know what is feasible in the workshop.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the car dealership (Einarbeitung), often as an internal move from the workshop. Chambers, associations and manufacturers offer courses to become a service advisor or car salesperson, usually lasting a few weeks to months and often alongside work.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,200gross per monthMedian salary

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• Agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics technician

  Also: Service technician for construction machinery

  With on-the-job training

  With agricultural and construction machinery the systems are bigger, hydraulics plays a bigger role and you are often out at the customer's.

  What you bring:

  You know engines, hydraulics, electrics and diagnostics on vehicles and work confidently with tools and testers.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the specialist company (Einarbeitung), plus manufacturer courses on hydraulics and machine controls; companies also hire automotive mechatronics technicians for this. A qualification of your own comes from a shortened vocational training as an agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics technician (Land- und Baumaschinenmechatroniker/Land- und Baumaschinenmechatronikerin).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,584gross per monthMedian salary

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• Aircraft mechanic

  Also: Mechanic in aircraft maintenance

  With on-the-job training

  In aircraft maintenance even stricter rules apply: every work step is checked and certified.

  What you bring:

  You work exactly to manufacturer specifications, know hydraulics, electrics and diagnostics and document your work carefully.

  How to get there:

  Maintenance companies hire automotive mechatronics technicians and give them several months of training on aircraft technology. English for technical documents and a reliability check for airport access are required. If you later want to release work yourself, you need a license under EU law for aviation personnel (Part-66), which requires modules and years of practice.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €5,464gross per monthMedian salary

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• Test mechanic

  Also: Mechanic in vehicle testing, Test driver

  With on-the-job training

  In testing at manufacturers and suppliers you install prototypes and measuring technology, test vehicles on test benches or on the track and document anomalies.

  What you bring:

  You can take vehicles apart, convert them and find faults with diagnostic devices.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training with the manufacturer, supplier or development service provider (Einarbeitung). The journeyman certificate as an automotive mechatronics technician is usually required. For test drives there are additional driver trainings in the company.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,527gross per monthMedian salary

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• Work preparation planner (Arbeitsvorbereiter)

  Also: Production planner

  With on-the-job training

  In work planning or production planning, you create work plans and production orders, plan capacity in the ERP system and usually work without shift work (Schichtdienst).

  What you bring:

  You know the machines, setup times and bottlenecks of production precisely and can realistically judge what is feasible in what time.

  How to get there:

  Companies train experienced master craftspeople and shift supervisors in planning software and the ERP system for a few weeks to months. Courses on REFA methods or production planning at training providers are an advantage, but not mandatory.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,873gross per monthMedian salary

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• Technical field sales representative

  Also: Sales representative for industrial supplies

  With on-the-job training

  In technical field sales, you advise industrial customers on tools, operating materials or plants, prepare offers and look after customers in the long term.

  What you bring:

  You know processes, machines and materials in production and understand the cost and time pressure that manufacturing companies are under.

  How to get there:

  Manufacturers and dealers train specialists from production with product and sales training over a few months. A class B driving license is usually expected. Look for permanent employment, because as a self-employed commercial agent you mostly work on commission only.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €5,550gross per monthMedian salary

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• Lean manager

  Also: Process optimizer in production

  With on-the-job training

  As a lean manager, you analyze processes with methods such as value stream analysis and the continuous improvement process, facilitate workshops and support changes through to implementation.

  What you bring:

  You know waste, waiting times and bottlenecks in production from your own experience and have improved processes yourself.

  How to get there:

  Larger industrial companies often use experienced master craftspeople for this and send them to courses on lean management or Six Sigma, which usually take a few days to a few weeks. Some job ads require a degree; in that case, provable improvements from your company help as evidence of your experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €6,917gross per monthMedian salary

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• Quality technician

  Also: Quality management officer

  With on-the-job training

  In quality assurance, you plan inspections, evaluate errors and complaints, support audits and maintain the quality management system in line with standards such as ISO 9001.

  What you bring:

  You know where errors arise in production, how test plans work in everyday practice and how to eliminate deviations with the team.

  How to get there:

  Companies also move master craftspeople from production into quality assurance and train them there. Courses for quality management officer at training providers usually take a few days to a few weeks.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contact

  €5,017gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master motor vehicle technician

  Also: Workshop manager, Service manager at a car dealership

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a workshop manager you plan jobs and staff, take on difficult cases yourself and train new staff.

  What you bring:

  You know diagnosis, repair and workshop routines from daily work and know what customers expect.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the motor vehicle technician 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 workshop or as responsible business manager you need the master qualification or an equivalent entitlement, because the motor vehicle trade requires a license.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  €4,431gross per monthMedian salary

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• State-certified technician in vehicle technology

  Also: Test technician

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you work at manufacturers and suppliers in testing, development or technical service.

  What you bring:

  You understand engine, chassis, electrics and diagnostic systems from practice and can narrow down faults systematically.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in vehicle technology or mechanical 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 weekendsLittle customer contact

  €4,431gross per monthMedian salary

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• Motor vehicle expert for damage and valuation

  Also: Motor claims adjuster

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a motor vehicle expert or claims adjuster you assess accident damage and vehicle values and write expert reports for insurers and customers.

  What you bring:

  You quickly recognize on a vehicle which parts are damaged and how it has to be repaired properly.

  How to get there:

  This usually follows the master craftsperson exam, or a technician qualification plus a few years of experience. Chambers and expert associations offer courses to become a motor vehicle expert alongside work, usually lasting a few months. Insurers often hire motor vehicle master craftspeople for claims settlement and give them on-the-job training themselves (Einarbeitung). Main inspections (Hauptuntersuchungen) are a separate, officially regulated area: for that you need a recognition under the Motor Vehicle Experts Act (Kraftfahrsachverständigengesetz), with a master or technician qualification, for example as an inspector with partial authority at a technical inspection body (Technische Prüfstelle).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hours

  €4,431gross per monthMedian salary

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• Instructor in the motor vehicle 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 prepare them for the exams.

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in diagnosis and repair in practice and can explain work steps clearly.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the motor vehicle technician 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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• 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 vehicle knowledge is in demand, for example as a pump operator (Maschinist).

  What you bring:

  You have a technical qualification, know vehicles, engines and tools and work physically and in a team.

  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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• Driving instructor

  With further training

  As a driving instructor you teach learner drivers safe driving in theory and practice.

  What you bring:

  You know vehicle technology, assistance systems and typical operating mistakes from the workshop and can explain technology clearly.

  How to get there:

  Training at a driving instructor training center takes at least 12 months for class BE, with a practice part at a training driving school. Requirements include a minimum age of 21, a driving license class B held for at least three years and a completed vocational qualification, which you show with the journeyman certificate. Funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) is possible if the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or the Jobcenter approves it.*Regulated by law (Driving Instructors Act (FahrlG) § 2).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €3,977gross per monthMedian salary

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• Vehicle fleet manager

  Also: Fleet manager

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a fleet manager at a transport company, haulage firm or municipality you plan the purchase, maintenance and use of the vehicles, manage workshops and service providers and keep an eye on costs and regulations.

  What you bring:

  You know maintenance, inspection deadlines, damage and repair effort of vehicles from the workshop.

  How to get there:

  This usually follows the master craftsperson exam in the motor vehicle technician trade, or a technician qualification plus a few years of experience, often by managing a company's own workshop. Courses in fleet management at chambers and associations take a few days to weeks. Business knowledge is important for these jobs.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €6,004gross per monthMedian salary

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• Plant manager in production

  Also: Works manager

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a plant or works manager, you are responsible for a whole production area or site with budget, investments and staff and work closely with purchasing, sales and senior management.

  What you bring:

  You already lead teams, plan shifts and capacity and know the key metrics of your production.

  How to get there:

  You can take the upgrading course for certified technical business manager (Geprüfter Technischer Betriebswirt) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) alongside work. It is eligible for funding through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications), and the duration depends on the provider. You are admitted with a master craftsperson (Meister) or technician exam, as a certified technical senior specialist (Technischer Fachwirt) or as an engineer with two years of practice. Works management positions are usually only given after several years of leadership experience, and in large groups often also to university graduates.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically lightLittle customer contact

  €6,633gross per monthMedian salary

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• Occupational safety specialist (Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit)

  With further training

  As an occupational safety specialist, you advise companies, prepare risk assessments (Gefährdungsbeurteilungen), investigate accidents and train employees.

  What you bring:

  You know accident hazards at machines, in internal transport and in handling hazardous substances and know how to enforce protective rules in everyday shift work.

  How to get there:

  With a master craftsperson (Meister) or technician exam and subsequent work experience, you generally meet the requirements. After that comes the training as an occupational safety specialist at a statutory accident insurance body or recognized training provider. It runs alongside work in several stages with classroom 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 light

  €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.