Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin Fachrichtung feuerfeste und keramische Rohstoffe

Apprentices for Aufbereitungsmechaniker (Processing Mechanic) specializing in feuerfeste und keramische Rohstoffe (refractory and ceramic raw materials) are trained in a dual system (duales System). Learning locations include the training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb), typically extraction and processing plants for clay and similar ceramic raw materials, specifically production halls and outdoor areas. The vocational school (Berufsschule) consists of classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers. Note: Vocational school lessons are partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes. Currently, for the Bundesländer (federal states) of Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thüringen, these classes are held in Wiesau (Bayern) at the Staatliches Berufliches Schulzentrum Wiesau.

This is a recognized vocational training occupation (Anerkannter Ausbildungsberuf) in Germany. The training type is a dual apprenticeship (Duale Ausbildung) in industry, regulated by a training ordinance, and lasts 3 years. Learning locations are the training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb) and the vocational school (Berufsschule). In this profession, Aufbereitungsmechaniker (Processing Mechanics) specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials extract raw materials, such as clay, using excavators or crushing plants and transport them to processing facilities. Here, they monitor the largely automated further processing. They mechanically mix and crush raw materials, dry the mixture in dryers, and grind it. To ensure product quality, they take samples, analyze them, and document the results. They keep records of produced quantities, store products professionally, or load them for further transport. Additionally, they maintain machinery and equipment, identify the causes of technical malfunctions, and ensure their rectification. They typically work in extraction and processing plants.

The job title is Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in Fachrichtung feuerfeste und keramische Rohstoffe (Processing Mechanic specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials). In this profession, raw materials like clay are extracted using mining excavators or crushing plants and transported to processing facilities. Here, the largely automated processing is monitored. Raw materials are mechanically mixed and crushed, dried in dryers, and then ground. To ensure product quality, samples are taken, analyzed, and results are documented. Records of produced quantities are kept, products are stored professionally, or loaded for further transport. Additionally, machinery and equipment are maintained, causes of technical malfunctions are identified, and their rectification is ensured. Processing mechanics specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials find employment in mining and processing operations.

3 years

The training is conducted in parallel at the training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb) and the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school lessons take place on specific weekdays or in block form. According to the training framework plan and curriculum, the 1st and 2nd training years involve company training and, if necessary, inter-company courses covering: basic skills in material processing, tool maintenance, raw material exploration, extraction, and conveying techniques, processing raw materials into finished products, basics of hydraulics and pneumatics, basics of electrical engineering, measurement, control, and regulation technology, extraction, conveying, and transport of raw materials, crushing and classifying raw materials, sorting, mixing, and dosing of raw materials and intermediate products, maintenance of machinery and equipment, storage and disposal. In vocational school, lessons are provided in the following learning areas: 1st training year: extraction and processing technology, manufacturing and testing technology, material technology, machine and equipment technology.

No costs are charged for conducting the training. The training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb) provides the training materials needed for the company part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must cover the costs of learning materials for vocational school lessons and work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from their place of residence. In certain life situations, apprentices may receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). Further information can be found under Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During their vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn, for example, about the extraction and conveying techniques for raw materials, and the various processing methods (dry and wet processing), machines, and facilities available. They learn how to manually and mechanically process materials, assemble workpieces, and how to inspect and operate crushing and classifying equipment. Furthermore, they learn how to monitor sorting, dewatering, mixing, and dosing equipment, and how to evaluate these processes. They also learn how control and regulation techniques function, the fundamentals of hydraulics and pneumatics, how to measure electrical quantities and evaluate the results, what to consider when taking samples, and which analysis methods are performed. They learn how processing sequences are monitored, controlled, and regulated, and how drying and firing processes for ceramic raw materials are carried out. Throughout the entire Ausbildung, knowledge about topics such as rights and obligations during training is also acquired.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this profession: In the company, practical work is carried out under supervision, such as operating mining vehicles/equipment, monitoring and controlling processing plants for clay, bauxite, or quartz, analyzing samples, and maintaining operational facilities. The environment may involve weather influences when working in clay pits, dust and noise at processing plants, and heat at kilns. Protective clothing, respiratory and hearing protection, and possibly a helmet and safety glasses should be worn. Requirements include observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., when monitoring machines and facilities), diligence (e.g., in precisely adhering to recipes), prudence (e.g., in securing clay pits), manual dexterity and technical understanding (e.g., in repair or maintenance work), decision-making ability and reaction speed (e.g., in case of disruptions to processing operations). Vocational school (Berufsschule) provides instruction one or two days per week or in block lessons.

Apprentices can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, for example: in various European countries. An internship abroad, lasting at least 3 weeks, can be done as part of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in". The prerequisite for this additional qualification is a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Further information on the additional qualification Europaassistent/in is available.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or in the 1st year of Ausbildung as a basic vocational training year BGJ), no training remuneration is paid. Example for the Refractory and Acid Protection Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of Ausbildung: €1,158, 2nd year of Ausbildung: €1,232, 3rd year of Ausbildung: €1,315. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of June 2025. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics (e.g., to calculate mixing ratios), Physics (e.g., to understand processes like crushing and grinding-drying), Manual Arts/Technology (Werken/Technik) (e.g., to create sketches and process flow diagrams).

The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is aimed at apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial vocational training (Erstausbildung) with intercultural competencies and offers apprentices the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, apprentices attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, e.g., about Europaassistent/in.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of preparation mechanic specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials: In the field of building materials and natural stones: preparation mechanic specializing in natural stone, preparation mechanic specializing in sand and gravel, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in building materials, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in asphalt technology, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in pre-fabricated concrete products, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in gypsum boards or fiber cement, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in sand-lime bricks or aerated concrete, process mechanic in the stone and earth industry specializing in ready-mix concrete.

In 1992, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for the preparation mechanic profession with specializations in natural stone, refractory and ceramic raw materials, sand and gravel, and hard coal was issued under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act). The predecessor profession of preparer in mining was abolished. In 2004, a new, modernized Ausbildung regulation was introduced, including the new specialization in lignite. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended, introducing a minimum Ausbildung salary and expanding the possibility of completing Ausbildung part-time. In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz came into force, with adjustments to the BBiG and HWO, including the legal anchoring of digital mobile Ausbildung and the introduction of a recognition and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized Ausbildung profession.

Preparation mechanic specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry.

Qualification title: Preparation Mechanic - Specialization in Refractory and Ceramic Raw Materials.

Improving opportunities with additional qualifications: Future preparation mechanics specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in the field of European Commercial and Economic Law through the 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. Finding suitable employment: After their Ausbildung, preparation mechanics specializing in refractory and ceramic raw materials work in mining and processing plants, as well as for ceramic manufacturers. Securing employability: Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expanded. The range of topics extends from raw material extraction to measurement technology. Advancing professionally: Upward further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. Taking the examination as an Industriemeister/in (Industrial Master) is a logical step.

In 2024, there were no new Ausbildung (vocational training) entrants in this profession. Source: The information is based on data from the Auszubildende (DAZUBI) data system of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB).

There are legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung). These include the Vocational Training Ordinance for Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin (Aufbereitungsmechaniker-Ausbildungsverordnung - AMAusbV) from February 9, 2004, and the framework curriculum for the Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin vocational training, determined by the resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) from April 29, 1992.

Legally, no specific prior education is required for this vocational training (Ausbildung).