Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin Fachrichtung Sand und Kies

Processing mechanics specializing in sand and gravel are trained in Germany's dual system of vocational education. Learning locations include training companies (usually sand and gravel extraction operations, in production halls and outdoors) and vocational schools (Berufsschule) in classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers. Vocational school instruction is sometimes conducted in cross-state specialized classes. Currently, for the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia, this takes place in Wiesau (Bavaria), and for Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia, in Erfurt (Thuringia).

This is a recognized vocational training occupation (anerkannter Ausbildungsberuf) in Germany. It is a dual vocational training in industry (regulated by training ordinance) lasting 3 years. Learning locations are the training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Processing mechanics specializing in sand and gravel extract raw materials using machines from gravel pits (dry extraction) or dredging lakes (wet extraction) and transport them with conveyor systems and transport systems for processing. Here, they monitor largely automated machines and plants that sieve, wash, and remove foreign particles from the gravel and sand mixture, and sort them by grain size (classify) using sieving plants. To ensure product quality, they take samples, analyze them, and document the results. They keep records of the quantities produced, store the products professionally, or load them for further transport. In addition, they maintain machines and plants, determine the causes of technical malfunctions.

Job title: Processing Mechanic specializing in Sand and Gravel. What does one do in this profession? Processing mechanics specializing in sand and gravel extract raw materials using machines from gravel pits (dry extraction) or dredging lakes (wet extraction) and transport them with conveyor systems and transport systems for processing. Here, they monitor largely automated machines and plants that sieve, wash, and remove foreign particles from the gravel and sand mixture, and sort them by grain size (classify) using sieving plants. To ensure product quality, they take samples, analyze them, and document the results. They keep records of the quantities produced, store the products professionally, or load them for further transport. In addition, they maintain machines and plants, determine the causes of technical malfunctions, and ensure their rectification. Where does one work? Processing mechanics specializing in sand and gravel typically work in sand and gravel extraction and processing facilities.

3 years

The training is carried out simultaneously in the training company and at the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school instruction takes 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: Basic skills in material processing, maintenance of tools, exploration, extraction, and conveying techniques for raw materials, processing of raw materials into end 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 of raw materials, sorting, mixing, and dosing of raw materials and partial products, maintenance of machines and plants, storage and disposal. Training at the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning areas: 1st year of training: Extraction and processing technology, manufacturing and testing technology, material technology, machine and equipment technology.

No costs are charged 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) instruction 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). Further information: Vocational Training Allowance (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn about various raw material extraction and conveying techniques, as well as different processing methods such as dry and wet preparation, machines, and systems. They also learn how to manually and mechanically process materials, assemble workpieces, and how to inspect and operate crushing and classifying equipment. Monitoring sorting, dewatering, mixing, and dosing equipment, and evaluating processes are also taught. The curriculum includes understanding control and regulation techniques, the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics, measuring electrical quantities, and evaluating the results. Attention is also given to proper sample taking and analysis procedures, monitoring, controlling, and regulating preparation processes, and analyzing material properties and harmful components. Throughout the entire training, knowledge about topics such as rights and duties is also acquired.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this profession: In the company, practical work is performed under guidance, such as operating excavation vehicles/equipment, monitoring and controlling sand and gravel processing plants, analyzing samples, and maintaining operational facilities. The environment involves weather influences when working in sand and gravel pits, and dust and noise at processing plants. Protective clothing, respiratory and hearing protection, and possibly a helmet and safety glasses must be worn. Working hours may include shift work. Requirements include prudence (e.g., when working on silos and in water treatment plants), observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., when monitoring machines and plants), diligence (e.g., during purity tests and sieve analyses), manual dexterity and technical understanding (e.g., during repair or maintenance work), decision-making ability and reaction speed (e.g., in case of disruptions in processing operations). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days per week or in block form.

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 is a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Apprentices must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational college or as a basic vocational training year BGJ in the 1st year of training), no training allowance is paid. Example for the sand and gravel industry (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 800 € to 1,270 €, 2nd year of training: 854 € to 1,355 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 1,419 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal and state (Bundesland) governments (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the federal states). Note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics (e.g., to calculate mixing ratios of raw materials), Physics (e.g., to understand the crushing and sinking behavior of rock), Manual Arts/Technology (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 (Ausbildung) with intercultural competencies and offers apprentices the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, apprentices attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (IHK) provides further information, for example, about 'Europaassistent/in'.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Preparation Mechanic specializing in Sand and Gravel: Building Materials and Natural Stones Sector: Preparation Mechanic specializing in Natural Stone, Preparation Mechanic specializing in Refractory and Ceramic Raw Materials, 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, an Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for the profession of Preparation Mechanic with specializations in Natural Stone, Refractory and Ceramic Raw Materials, Sand and Gravel, and Hard Coal was established under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act), replacing the predecessor profession of Preparer in Mining. In 2004, a new, modernized Ausbildung regulation was introduced, including the new specialization in Lignite. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended, including the introduction of a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration and the expansion of possibilities to complete Ausbildung in Teilzeit (part-time). In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force, with adjustments to the BBiG and HWO, including the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized Ausbildung profession standard.

Preparation Mechanic specializing in Sand and Gravel is a recognized 3-year Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry.

Qualification Title: Preparation Mechanic - Specialization in Sand and Gravel

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung 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 remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 941 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 1,132 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,350 €. Source: IHK Würzburg, as of July 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung 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 remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 805 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 854 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,063 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance 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 an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of a training allowance for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum allowance. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 800 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 977 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of a training allowance for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz via the minimum allowance. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,270 €, 2nd year of training: 1,355 €, 3rd year of training: 1,419 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of a training allowance for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz via the minimum allowance. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 800 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 977 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of a training allowance for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz via the minimum allowance. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 805 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 1,063 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Prospective Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin Fachrichtung Sand und Kies (Processing Mechanics specializing in Sand and Gravel) can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" (European Assistant). Find the right employment. After their Ausbildung, Processing Mechanics specializing in Sand and Gravel work in companies that extract and process these raw materials, i.e., in sand and gravel pits and the associated processing plants. Secure employability. Through adaptive continuing education, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from raw material extraction to measurement technology. Advance professionally. Further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is advisable to pursue further education.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. The appropriateness of a training allowance for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz via the minimum allowance. Example for the Sand and Gravel Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 805 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 1,063 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training in Brandenburg is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the sand and gravel industry, the monthly gross remuneration is: 805 € in the 1st year, 854 € in the 2nd year, and 1,063 € in the 3rd year (Source: IG Bau, January 2026). This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 21 new Ausbildung (vocational training) starters. 48 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate), and 33 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school leaving certificate). 19 percent could not provide a Hauptschulabschluss. This data is based on information from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training in Niedersachsen is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the sand and gravel industry, the monthly gross remuneration is: 800 € in the 1st year, 854 € in the 2nd year, and 977 € in the 3rd year (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), January 2026). This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training in Sachsen-Anhalt is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the sand and gravel industry, the monthly gross remuneration is: 805 € in the 1st year, 854 € in the 2nd year, and 1,063 € in the 3rd year (Source: IG Bau, January 2026). This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training in Rheinland-Pfalz is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding minimum remuneration. For example, in the sand and gravel industry, the monthly gross remuneration is: 1,133 € to 1,161 € in the 1st year, 1,227 € to 1,264 € in the 2nd year, and 1,335 € to 1,381 € in the 3rd year (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), July 2025). This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations for the Ausbildung (vocational training) include: The Ordinance on Vocational Training for Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin (Aufbereitungsmechaniker-Ausbildungsverordnung - AMAusbV) from 09.02.2004 (BGBI. I S. 160), and the Framework Curriculum for the vocational training profession Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin (Resolution of the Kultusministerkonferenz (Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) from 29.04.1992).

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the sand and gravel industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the sand and gravel industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 970 €, 2nd year: 1,050 €, 3rd year: 1,130 €. Source: Collective Agreement Register North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), as of November 2025. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the sand and gravel industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 805 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 1,063 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.