Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin

Plant mechanics are trained in the dual system. Learning locations include the training company (usually industrial companies in pipeline and industrial plant construction, apparatus and container construction, and installation and supply technology): production halls, and vocational school (Berufsschule): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers.

Occupation Type: Recognized apprenticeship (Ausbildung) occupation. Type of Training: Dual training (Ausbildung) in industry (regulated by training ordinance). Training Duration: 3.5 years. Learning Locations: Training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Plant mechanics, among other things, manufacture plants or piping systems for the chemical, mineral oil, food industries, or for supply technology companies. They cut sheets, bend them, cut pipes to length, bend pipe sections and sheets, and manufacture individual components, for example, with the help of CNC machines. If necessary, they assemble the components into modules in the company and arrange for transport to the construction site or customer's premises. On-site, they assemble individual components and modules. They connect pipelines, install valves and seals, connect boilers or pressure vessels, and hand over the finished plants to customers. Maintenance of plants, repair, and, if necessary, expansion or modification of existing plants are also among their tasks.

Job Title: Plant Mechanic. Occupation Type: Recognized apprenticeship (Ausbildung) occupation. Training Duration: 3.5 years. What does one do in this profession? Plant mechanics, among other things, manufacture plants or piping systems for the chemical, mineral oil, food industries, or for supply technology companies. They cut sheets, bend them, cut pipes to length, bend pipe sections and sheets, and manufacture individual components, for example, with the help of CNC machines. If necessary, they assemble the components into modules in the company and arrange for transport to the construction site or customer's premises. On-site, they assemble individual components and modules. They connect pipelines, install valves and seals, connect boilers or pressure vessels, and hand over the finished plants to customers. Maintenance of plants, repair, and, if necessary, expansion or modification of existing plants are also among their tasks. Where do they work? Plant mechanics find employment primarily in industrial companies.

3.5 years

The training is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school (Berufsschule) classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st and 2nd Year of Training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Operational and technical communication, planning and organizing work, evaluating work results, distinguishing, assigning, and handling materials and auxiliary materials, manufacturing components and assemblies, manufacturing and assembling components and assemblies, slinging, securing, and transporting, processing orders, maintaining operating equipment, checking components and facilities, control technology, maintenance; identifying, narrowing down, and rectifying faults and malfunctions, customer orientation. Training in the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning fields: Manufacturing components with hand tools, manufacturing components with machines, manufacturing simple assemblies.

No costs are incurred for carrying out the training. The training company provides the training materials required for the operational part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) classes and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training facilities are far from the place of residence. Funding Opportunities: In certain life situations, apprentices can receive vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe - BAB). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During this Ausbildung (vocational training), trainees learn various skills at the workplace. For example, they learn how to assess material properties and select materials according to their use, how to ensure the operational readiness of machine tools, and how to produce workpieces and components. They also learn to apply information technology systems for order planning, processing, and scheduling, while adhering to data protection regulations and company guidelines for the use of IT systems, data carriers, or the internet. They learn about the existence and use of assistance, simulation, diagnostic, or visualization systems, and how to inspect, care for, and maintain operating equipment. They learn to evaluate control engineering documents and apply control technology, and how to read piping plans, isometric representations, developments, foundation and layout plans, and installation plans. They are taught what to consider when implementing welding and assembly plans, how to separate pipes, sheets, and profiles, and how to form them hot and cold. Furthermore, they learn how plants and plant components function.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements during this Ausbildung (vocational training): In the company, practical work (under guidance) includes tasks such as cutting sheets with sheet metal shears, operating CNC machines, and assembling plant components and pipelines. The environment may involve outdoor weather conditions, changing construction sites, and noise in workshops. Protective clothing (e.g., hearing/respiratory protection, helmet, welder's protective clothing) may be required. Working hours may sometimes include shift work. Requirements include manual dexterity and technical understanding (e.g., when installing measurement and control systems, performing maintenance and repair work), conscientiousness and a sense of responsibility (e.g., when checking welds, working with information technology systems), sure-footedness and freedom from vertigo (e.g., when working on ladders and scaffolding), and prudence (e.g., when connecting boilers). At the Berufsschule (vocational school), classes are held one or two days per week or as block instruction.

Auszubildende (vocational trainees) can complete parts of their Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad. For example, they can undertake an international internship in various European countries as part of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in". The duration of this internship is at least 3 weeks, and a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is a prerequisite. Further information on the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is available.

The Ausbildungsvergütung (vocational training allowance) for a dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Auszubildende (vocational trainees) must be granted an appropriate allowance. If the Ausbildung (vocational training) takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a Berufsfachschule (vocational school) or in the 1st year of Ausbildung (vocational training) as a Berufsgrundbildungsjahr (basic vocational training year)), no Ausbildungsvergütung (vocational training allowance) is paid. Example Metal and Electrical Industry (monthly gross - depending on the Bundesland (federal state)): 1st year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €1,243 to €1,373, 2nd year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €1,298 to €1,408, 3rd year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €1,379 to €1,489, 4th year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €1,461 to €1,563. Example Technical Building Equipment (monthly gross - depending on the Bundesland (federal state)): 1st year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €830 to €1,090, 2nd year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €890 to €1,190, 3rd year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €977 to €1,290, 4th year of Ausbildung (vocational training): €1,020 to €1,390. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal government and the states (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, Tarifarch).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for a successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Manual Arts/Technology (Werken/Technik): for example, to apply metalworking techniques and create sketches. Mathematics: for example, to calculate material requirements. Physics: for example, to understand the functioning of technical systems. Computer Science (Informatik): for example, to work with information technology systems and CNC machines.

The Ausbildungsordnung (training regulations) stipulate that one or more of the following additional qualifications (Zusatzqualifikationen) can be acquired during the Ausbildung (vocational training): "System Integration," "Process Integration," "Additive Manufacturing Processes," and "IT-supported Plant Modification." These codified additional qualifications enable Auszubildende (vocational trainees) to specialize beyond their initial Ausbildung (vocational training). They are separately examined as part of the final examination. The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is aimed at Auszubildende (vocational trainees) with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial Ausbildung (vocational training) with intercultural competencies and offers Auszubildende (vocational trainees) the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) attend additional Berufsschule (vocational school) classes, for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, for example: Europaassistent/in.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Anlagenmechaniker/in: Supply and Installation Sector: Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin for Sanitary, Heating, and Air Conditioning Technology; Mechatroniker/Mechatronikerin for Refrigeration Technology. Commonality: Performing installation, maintenance, and repair work on systems and piping. Metal Construction Sector: Konstruktionsmechaniker/Konstruktionsmechanikerin; Metallbauer/Metallbauerin specializing in Construction Technology; Metallbauer/Metallbauerin specializing in Commercial Vehicle Construction. Commonality: Manufacturing metal components according to designs and technical drawings.

1987: Enactment of the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for the profession of Anlagenmechaniker/in with specializations in apparatus technology, welding technology, and supply technology. 2004: Reorganization of industrial metal professions. New Ausbildung regulation for the profession of Anlagenmechaniker/in (without specializations) according to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act). Abolition of precursor professions: Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin specializing in apparatus technology, Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin specializing in welding technology, Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin specializing in supply technology. Trial regulation with a new examination structure (final examination in two separate parts). 2007: Integration of the new examination structure into the vocational training regulation. 2018: Regulation amending the regulation on vocational training in industrial metal professions comes into force. Inclusion of content on digitalization, data protection, and information security, as well as codified additional qualifications. 2020: Amendment of the B regulation.

Anlagenmechaniker/in is a recognized 3.5-year Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry.

Graduation title: Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin.

The Ausbildung Vergütung (training remuneration) for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung Vergütung for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal and Electrical Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: €1,303, 2nd training year: €1,365, 3rd training year: €1,444, 4th training year: €1,497. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung Vergütung (training remuneration) for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung Vergütung for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal and Electrical Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: €1,272, 2nd training year: €1,335, 3rd training year: €1,402, 4th training year: €1,461. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) allowance for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the metal and electrical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,373 €, 2nd year: 1,408 €, 3rd year: 1,443 €, 4th year: 1,478 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) allowance for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the metal and electrical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,261 €, 2nd year: 1,328 €, 3rd year: 1,419 €, 4th year: 1,466 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. Example for technical building equipment (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,000 €, 2nd year: 1,060 €, 3rd year: 1,115 €, 4th year: 1,200 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2024. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) allowance for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the metal and electrical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,373 €, 2nd year: 1,408 €, 3rd year: 1,443 €, 4th year: 1,478 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. Example for technical building equipment (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,004 €, 2nd year: 1,115 €, 3rd year: 1,204 €, 4th year: 1,249 €. Source: IG Metall, as of August 2024. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) allowance for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the metal and electrical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,272 €, 2nd year: 1,337 €, 3rd year: 1,401 €, 4th year: 1,466 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) allowance for a dual training program is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the metal and electrical industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,261 €, 2nd year: 1,328 €, 3rd year: 1,419 €, 4th year: 1,466 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Future plant mechanics (Anlagenmechaniker/innen) can secure a good starting position by acquiring codified additional qualifications during their vocational training (Ausbildung), for example, in plant technology through the additional qualification "IT-supported plant modification." Find the right employment. After their training, plant mechanics work in companies involved in pipeline and industrial plant construction, apparatus and tank construction, or installation and supply technology. Ensure employability. Through adaptive further training (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from plant construction to CNC technology. Advance professionally. Upward-focused further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to take the examination as an industrial master (Industriemeister/in) in the metal field. With a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)...

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual apprenticeship is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on these agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of apprenticeship remuneration for apprenticeships starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry, monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 1,272 €, 2nd year: 1,337 €, 3rd year: 1,401 €, 4th year: 1,466 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements currently exist. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual apprenticeship is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on these agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of apprenticeship remuneration for apprenticeships starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry, monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 1,272 €, 2nd year: 1,335 €, 3rd year: 1,402 €, 4th year: 1,461 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements currently exist. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 1,086 new apprentices. 62 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), 18 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss. 17 percent had a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife), and 1 percent could not provide a Hauptschulabschluss. Source: The information is based on data from the Apprenticeship Data System (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual apprenticeship is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on these agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of apprenticeship remuneration for apprenticeships starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry, monthly gross remuneration ranges from: 1st year: 1,264 € to 1,373 €, 2nd year: 1,334 € to 1,408 €, 3rd year: 1,439 € to 1,443 €, 4th year: 1,478 € to 1,509 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026. For technical building equipment, monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 990 €, 2nd year: 1,075 €, 3rd year: 1,150 €, 4th year: 1,225 €. Source: IG Metall, May 2026. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual apprenticeship is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on these agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of apprenticeship remuneration for apprenticeships starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry, monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 1,271 €, 2nd year: 1,338 €, 3rd year: 1,437 €, 4th year: 1,504 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements currently exist. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual apprenticeship is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on these agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of apprenticeship remuneration for apprenticeships starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry, monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 1,261 €, 2nd year: 1,328 €, 3rd year: 1,419 €, 4th year: 1,466 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements currently exist. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

During the Ausbildung (vocational training), specialization occurs in areas such as plant construction, apparatus and container construction, maintenance, pipe system technology, or welding technology, depending on the training company.

Legal regulations and recommendations for this Ausbildung are set by the Vocational Training Ordinance in industrial metal professions from July 23, 2007, as amended on June 28, 2018. Additionally, there is a framework curriculum for the plant mechanic profession, decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on March 25, 2004, as amended on February 23, 2018.

In the Baden-Württemberg Bundesland (federal state), the remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. For Ausbildung programs starting in 2020 and later, the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regulates the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal and electrical industry, monthly gross wages are 1,304 € in the first year, 1,378 € in the second year, 1,489 € in the third year, and 1,563 € in the fourth year (Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026). In the technical building equipment sector, it is 1,090 € in the first year, 1,190 € in the second year, 1,290 € in the third year, and 1,390 € in the fourth year (Source: IG Metall, September 2025). This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

In the Schleswig-Holstein Bundesland (federal state), the remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. For Ausbildung programs starting in 2020 and later, the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regulates the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal and electrical industry, monthly gross wages are 1,373 € in the first year, 1,408 € in the second year, 1,443 € in the third year, and 1,478 € in the fourth year (Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, April 2026). Currently, there are no collective bargaining agreements in the technical building equipment sector. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

A completed Ausbildung as a specialist in metal technology (Fachkraft für Metalltechnik) with a specialization in construction technology can be credited towards the plant mechanic Ausbildung.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,243 €, 2nd training year: 1,298 €, 3rd training year: 1,379 €, 4th training year: 1,486 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. For example, in Technical Building Equipment (monthly gross): 1st training year: 830 €, 2nd training year: 890 €, 3rd training year: 977 €, 4th training year: 1,020 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Metal and Electrical Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,373 €, 2nd training year: 1,408 €, 3rd training year: 1,443 €, 4th training year: 1,478 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of April 2026. For example, in Technical Building Equipment (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,000 €, 2nd training year: 1,050 €, 3rd training year: 1,100 €, 4th training year: 1,150 €. Source: Tarifregister Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as of November 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.