Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin Fachrichtung Steinkohle

Coal Processing Mechanics receive their Ausbildung (vocational training) in a dual system. Learning locations include the training company (usually mining operations): production halls, outdoors, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers.

Occupation Type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of Training: Dual training in industry (regulated by training regulations). Training Duration: 3 years. Learning Locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Coal Processing Mechanics monitor the largely automated processing of hard coal. For this, they control machines and systems in which raw coal is sieved and freed from rock that was extracted during mining. Afterwards, they separate different types of hard coal or refine them, for example, into hard coal coke. To ensure product quality, they take samples, analyze them, and document the results. They keep records of the quantities produced, store the products properly, or load them for further transport. In addition, they maintain machines and systems, determine the causes of technical malfunctions, and ensure their rectification. Where does one work? Employment:

3 years

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the Berufsschule (vocational school). Berufsschule classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and framework curriculum: 1st and 2nd Training Year: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Basic skills in material processing, maintenance of tools, exploration, extraction, and conveying techniques of 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 systems, storage and disposal. Training in the Berufsschule in the learning areas: 1st Training Year: Extraction and processing technology, manufacturing and testing technology, material technology, machine and equipment.

No costs are incurred for the Ausbildung (vocational training). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the operational part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) must bear the costs of learning materials for 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, Auszubildende can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). For more information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

In the training company, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) learn, for example: which extraction and conveying techniques for raw materials, which processing methods (dry and wet processing), machines, and systems exist; how materials are processed manually and by machine and how workpieces are joined; how crushing and classifying equipment is checked and operated; how sorting, dewatering, mixing, and dosing equipment is monitored and how processes are evaluated; how control and regulation technologies work; what the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics are; how electrical quantities are measured and the results evaluated; what needs to be considered when taking samples and which analysis methods are performed; how processing sequences are monitored, controlled, and regulated; how washing water circuit facilities are operated and clarification facilities are monitored. Furthermore, knowledge about topics such as rights and duties during the entire training is acquired.

During this Ausbildung (vocational training), one should be prepared for certain conditions and requirements: In the company, practical tasks include monitoring and controlling hard coal processing plants, analyzing samples, and maintaining operational equipment. The environment can be dusty and noisy, sometimes exposed to weather conditions at processing plants. Protective clothing, respiratory and hearing protection, and possibly a helmet and safety glasses are required. Working hours may involve shift work. Key requirements include prudence (e.g., during blasting or handling chemicals), observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., when monitoring machines and plants), diligence (e.g., when analyzing laboratory samples), manual dexterity and technical understanding (e.g., for repair or maintenance work), and decision-making ability and reaction speed (e.g., in case of disruptions in processing operations). At the Berufsschule (vocational school), classes are held one or two days a week or in block instruction.

Auszubildende (vocational trainees) can complete parts of their Ausbildung abroad. This can take the form of an internship abroad within the framework of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" in various European countries. The internship duration is at least 3 weeks, and a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is a prerequisite. Further information on the Europaassistent/in additional qualification can be obtained.

No information on remuneration is currently available.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for successful Ausbildung: Mathematics, for example, to evaluate measurement data and mass flows; Physics, for example, to understand the crushing and sinking behavior of coal; and Workshop/Technology, for example, to create sketches and process flow diagrams.

The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is aimed at Auszubildende with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. It expands the initial Ausbildung with intercultural competencies and offers Auszubildende the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, Auszubildende attend additional Berufsschule classes, for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) provides further information.

The following Ausbildung alternatives are available for the profession of Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in Fachrichtung Steinkohle: In the mining sector, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in Fachrichtung Braunkohle (Lignite Processing Mechanic), Bergbautechnologe/Technologin Fachrichtung Tiefbautechnik (Mining Technologist specializing in Deep Mining Technology), or Bergbautechnologe/Technologin Fachrichtung Tiefbohrtechnik (Mining Technologist specializing in Deep Drilling Technology). The commonality of these professions is operating technical facilities in raw material extraction or processing.

In 1992, a new training regulation was introduced for the 'Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in' vocational training (Ausbildung) with specializations in 'Naturstein, feuerfeste und keramische Rohstoffe, Sand und Kies, Steinkohle'. This regulation abolished the previous profession of 'Aufbereiter/Aufbereiterin im Bergbau'. In 2004, a modernized new regulation added the 'Braunkohle' specialization. In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz - BBiG) and the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung - HWO) were updated, introducing a minimum vocational training remuneration and expanding opportunities for part-time vocational training. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, legally anchoring the possibility of digital mobile vocational training and introducing a process for determining and certifying individual professional competence (professional validation) against the standard of a recognized vocational training profession.

Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in in the specialization of hard coal is a recognized 3-year vocational training (Ausbildung) in industry. Since hard coal mining has ceased in Germany, there are currently generally no training opportunities in this specialization.

Job title: Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin - Hard Coal Specialization.

Career opportunities can be improved with additional qualifications. Prospective Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in candidates in the hard coal specialization can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their vocational training (Ausbildung), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. After their vocational training, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in's work in mining and coking plants. Continuous training can keep professional knowledge up-to-date, enhance it, and expand it. The range of topics extends from raw material extraction to measurement technology. To advance in their career, individuals can pursue further training for advancement and reach leadership positions. For instance, taking the 'Industriemeister/in' exam in 'Hüttentechnik' is a suitable option. Those with a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) can also consider university studies (Studium).

No information is currently available.

Legal regulations and recommendations for vocational training (Ausbildung): The Ordinance on Vocational Training for Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in (Aufbereitungsmechaniker-Ausbildungsverordnung - AMAusbV) of 09.02.2004 (BGBI. I S. 160) and the framework curriculum plan for the Aufbereitungsmechaniker/in vocational training (Ausbildung) by resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of 29.04.1992.

Legally, there are no specific educational requirements for this Ausbildung (vocational training).