#PrintingProfessions: Mechatronics resp. Electronics Technician for Industrial Engineering

In our series #PrintingProfessions we introduce you to the varied professions in the German printing industry, which reflect the different areas of interest for career starters. In this edition, we focus on the exciting profession of mechatronics resp. electronics technicians for industrial engineering, who are able to save the one or other working day.

What does a Mechatronics/Electronics Technician do for Industrial Engineering?

First of all: The profession of a mechatronics technician and that of an electronics technician have strong similarities in Germany, which is why we are combining the two training paths in this article. However, a central difference is that electronics technicians specialize in installations, networks, control, and switchgear systems, whereas mechatronics technicians have knowledge of electronics and the mechanics of systems. 

In the printing industry, mechatronics or electronics engineers are sometimes dealing with very long and highly complex printing presses. This is why they must know these machines inside out to be able to intervene quickly if problems arise. Besides, mechatronics technicians resp. electronic engineers can work in almost all areas of industry or trade in Germany after their training. Therefore, they are versatile and have very good prospects in the job market.

What Qualifications Should Future Mechatronics/Electronic Engineers Have?

If your friends call you a “handyman”, if you are interested in technical or electrotechnical topics and good at math and physics, the profession of a mechatronics resp. electronics technician could be just right for you. Since trainees in this field of work build and install complex mechatronic systems, among other things, they should have no problems imagining and drawing a body in three-dimensional space. In Germany, a school-leaving certificate is required for training as a mechatronics or electronics technician – most trainees have a secondary school leaving certificate. 

What Does Training as a Mechatronic/Electronic Technician for Industrial Engineering Look Like?

Training as a mechatronics technician resp. electronics technician in Germany can take place both in industry and in the trade. Parallel to the practical training in a company, the trainees take part in theoretical instruction at a school. The training of the mechatronics technician and that of the electronics technician differ slightly. Electronics technicians mainly deal with installations, networks as well as control and switching systems. Mechatronics engineers, in contrast, acquire electronic knowledge and knowledge of the mechanics of various installations.

What Happens After the Training?

After successful training as a mechatronics technician resp. electronics technician for industrial engineering, trainees can expect an entry-level salary of between 2000 and 2800 euros gross in Germany. With further training as a technician or a master craftsman, the salary can even rise to as much as 4000 gross.

In addition to further training, it is also possible to continue studying in the field of mechatronics resp. electrical engineering, especially if a higher professional position is targeted. In some cases, it is also possible to study at German universities without a university entrance qualification, for example, if you have the relevant training and work experience. 

All in all, the profession of mechatronics resp. electronics technician for industrial engineering not only offers variety and good opportunities in the job market, but also a wide range of further training opportunities. 

Did the training as a mechatronics technician resp. electronics engineer have sparked your interest? If not, you can find other exciting professions in the German printing industry under #PrintingProfessions.