Vocational retraining as a materials testing technician in metals technology (IHK)

Vocational retraining in this field can secure you an in-demand, stable position in the labour market. Companies actively seek qualified specialists and often offer attractive incentives and continuing education opportunities. Vocational retraining can therefore offer you secure employment, good prospects for advancement and an attractive salary.

Our vocational retraining programme for materials testing technicians is therefore aimed particularly at:

• People without a vocational qualification
• Career changers from all backgrounds with an interest in technology
• People who have left technical or scientific degree programmes without graduating
• People undergoing vocational rehabilitation
• People aged 50 and over
• Women seeking a new career direction

• IHK skilled worker qualification
• DIN EN ISO 9712 Level 2 certificates (UT, RT, PT, MT, VT, ET)
• Radiation protection certificates S 3.1, R 1.2 for X-ray testing
• Radiation protection certificate R 2.2 for spectrometry
• ADR certificate for the transport of Class 7 dangerous goods
• Certificates issued by W.S. Werkstoff Service GmbH, for example in accordance with DIN 54161 (Test Technician)

• A Hauptschulabschluss (German lower secondary school-leaving certificate) or equivalent school qualification
• Proficiency in spoken and written German (at least Level B2)
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics
• An interest in technology
• Adequate vision in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712
• Completion of the training provider’s aptitude test

Quality assurance is crucial in industry: Germany is known for its high-quality products and strict quality standards. As a materials testing technician, you would play a key role in this process. This makes the occupation not only important but also rewarding, because your work directly affects the quality of products used by millions of people every day.

Materials are processed and tested in every industrial sector. This creates a wide variety of career opportunities, for example:

• Materials testing laboratories
• Non-destructive testing service providers
  Metal production companies, such as steelworks and foundries
• Metalworking companies, such as forges and rolling mills
• Steel construction companies and specialist welding businesses
• Heat treatment companies, including contract and in-house hardening facilities
• Quality assurance in metalworking companies, for example incoming goods inspection

The vocational retraining programme is eligible for funding, for example through an education voucher from the Employment Agency / Jobcenter, pension and accident insurers, statutory occupational accident insurance associations and employment transfer companies (ESF/EGF funds).