Behälter- und Apparatebauer/Behälter- und Apparatebauerin

Container and Apparatus Builders receive their Ausbildung (vocational training) in a dual system. Learning locations include the training company (typically boiler, container, pipeline, and plant construction craft businesses, manufacturers of process engineering plants): workshops, factory and assembly halls, construction sites, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to überbetriebliche Ausbildungsstätten (inter-company training centers). Note: Berufsschule lessons are partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes, currently: for the Bundesländer (federal states) of Bayern, Berlin, Hessen, Sachsen-Anhalt, and Thüringen in Gunzenhausen (Bayern): Berufliches Schulzentrum Altmühlfranken. Source: Overview of Cross-State Specialized Classes (Status: March 27, 2025).

Occupation Type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of Training: Dual Ausbildung in crafts (regulated by training ordinance). Training Duration: 3.5 years. Learning Locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual Ausbildung). What does one do in this profession? Container and Apparatus Builders produce boilers and pressure-resistant reaction vessels for process engineering and the food and beverage industry, as well as heat exchangers or turbine housings for energy and supply technology. First, they mark sheets and profiles based on technical drawings, shape them by hand or machine, and assemble them into components or groups. They file, drill, saw, and grind the semi-finished products, apply weld or solder joints, cut threads, and treat surfaces. Finally, they assemble entire systems or plants and install pipelines, pipe connections, control and regulation devices, and fittings. At the end, they inspect welds and surfaces.

Job Title: Behälter- und Apparatebauer/in (Container and Apparatus Builder). Occupation Type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Training Duration: 3.5 years. What does one do in this profession? Container and Apparatus Builders produce boilers and pressure-resistant reaction vessels for process engineering and the food and beverage industry, as well as heat exchangers or turbine housings for energy and supply technology. First, they mark sheets and profiles based on technical drawings, shape them by hand or machine, and assemble them into components or groups. They file, drill, saw, and grind the semi-finished products, apply weld or solder joints, cut threads, and treat surfaces. Finally, they assemble entire systems or plants and install pipelines, pipe connections, control and regulation devices, and fittings. At the end, they inspect welds and surfaces and ensure that the systems are leak-proof. Furthermore, they maintain and repair systems.

3.5 years.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is carried out in parallel in the training company and the Berufsschule (vocational school). Berufsschule lessons take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st to 18th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Planning and preparing manufacturing processes and workflows, using operational and technical communication, manufacturing components for apparatus, containers, and piping systems, manufacturing, assembling, and disassembling assemblies, apparatus, containers, and piping systems, implementing work and protective measures, treating and protecting surfaces, implementing quality assurance measures, maintaining components, assemblies, apparatus, containers, and piping systems. Training in the Berufsschule in the learning areas: 1st year of training: Manufacturing components with hand tools, manufacturing components with machines, assemblies.

No costs are charged 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 (apprentices) must bear the costs for learning materials for Berufsschule (vocational school) lessons and for work clothes themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, Auszubildende can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During their vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn, for example, how to determine customer requirements, plan work steps, and perform order-related calculations. They learn the importance of reading, evaluating, and applying technical documents. They learn how to produce templates from metallic and non-metallic materials and mark components according to drawings, sketches, and templates. They learn how to manually and machine-process semi-finished products, for example, by drilling, sawing, and grinding, and how to create welded, soldered, pressed, and adhesive joints. They learn how to assemble apparatuses and containers, make pipe and hose connections, and functionally install measurement, control, regulation, and safety devices. They learn to dismantle containers, apparatuses, and piping systems and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner. They learn to comply with fire and explosion protection regulations, especially during welding and cutting work. They learn how to treat and protect surfaces, for example, against corrosion.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical participation (under guidance): cutting and forming sheets, welding and assembling sheet metal components into assemblies. Environment: Weather influences outdoors, changing construction sites, noise in workshops. Clothing: Protective clothing (e.g., hearing/respiratory protection, helmet, welder's protective clothing). Working hours: partly shift work. Requirements: Manual dexterity and technical understanding (e.g., when working with tools, machines, and welding equipment or when installing control and regulation technology). Diligence and sense of responsibility (e.g., for precisely determining and adhering to dimensions, checking welds, using lifting equipment and work scaffolding). Sure-footedness and freedom from vertigo (e.g., when working on ladders and scaffolding). Prudence (e.g., when complying with safety regulations, performing pressure tests). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held on one or two days per week or in block instruction.

Apprentices can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, for example, in various European countries. An internship abroad is possible as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. The duration is at least 3 weeks. The prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate. Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The vocational training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the vocational training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or in the 1st year of vocational training as a basic vocational training year BGJ), no vocational training allowance is paid. Example for metal crafts (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of vocational training: 724 € to 1,130 €, 2nd year of vocational training: 854 € to 1,183 €, 3rd year of vocational training: 977 € to 1,307 €, 4th year of vocational training: 1,014 € to 1,363 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal and state governments (Bundesland) (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the federal states). Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Crafts/Technology: e.g., to manufacture components for apparatuses ready for assembly. Mathematics: e.g., to calculate pressure and flow rates. Physics: e.g., to select and process materials.

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. 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 (IHK) provides further information, e.g., on 'Europaassistent/in'.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Behälter- und Apparatebauer/in (Container and Apparatus Constructor): In the metal construction sector: Plant Mechanic, Plumber, Construction Mechanic, Metalworker specializing in Commercial Vehicle Construction or Construction Technology. Commonality: Manufacturing metal components according to designs and technical drawings. In the craft sector: Metal Shaper specializing in Metal Spinning Technology. Commonality: Forming metal sheets into hollow bodies for containers and similar items through metal spinning.

In 1934, the profession of Kupferschmied (Coppersmith) was first listed in the directory of trades that can be practiced as a craft. In 1958, the job description was recognized. In 1989, the professional title Kupferschmied/in was changed to Behälter- und Apparatebauer/in. In 1998, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulations were changed according to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act), and the predecessor profession of Kupferschmied/in was abolished. In 2018, the modernized Ausbildung (vocational training) regulations came into effect, including a new examination structure (final examination in two separate parts) and consideration of modern materials, machine systems, and manufacturing techniques. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended, introducing a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration and expanding the possibility of completing Ausbildung (vocational training) part-time. In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force with adjustments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and Handwerksordnung (HWO), including legal provisions.

Behälter- und Apparatebauer/in (Container and Apparatus Constructor) is a 3.5-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in the skilled crafts.

Graduation title: Behälter- und Apparatebauer/Behälter- und Apparatebauerin (Container and Apparatus Constructor)

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the Ausbildung (vocational 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 (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 900 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 950 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,050 €, 4th Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,120 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the Ausbildung (vocational 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 (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 780 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 854 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 977 €, 4th Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,090 €. 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.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual vocational training is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an apprenticeship remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,105 €, 2nd year: 1,183 €, 3rd year: 1,307 €, 4th year: 1,363 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual vocational training is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an apprenticeship remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 900 €, 3rd year: 1,000 €, 4th year: 1,100 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2024. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual vocational training is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an apprenticeship remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st year: 950 €, 2nd year: 980 €, 3rd year: 1,050 €, 4th year: 1,150 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of August 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual vocational training is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an apprenticeship remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st year: 724 €, 2nd year: 855 €, 3rd year: 978 €, 4th year: 1,021 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) remuneration for a dual vocational training is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an apprenticeship remuneration for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. Example Metal Craft (monthly gross): 1st year: 750 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,014 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Prospective Behälter- und Apparatebauer/Behälter- und Apparatebauerin (Container and Apparatus Builders) can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. Find the right employment. After their training, Behälter- und Apparatebauer/Behälter- und Apparatebauerin work in metal and mechanical engineering companies that produce boilers, containers, or complete systems for various applications. Secure employability. Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialist knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from Behälter- und Apparatebau (Container and Apparatus Construction) to CNC technology. Advance professionally. Further training for advancement helps to progress professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to take the examination as a Behälter- und Apparatebauermeister/in (Master Container and Apparatus Builder).

The remuneration for a dual vocational training (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. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 724 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,014 €. Source: Thüringen Collective Agreement Register, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual vocational training (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. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 780 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,090 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 39 new vocational training (Ausbildung) apprentices. 59 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school leaving certificate), 28 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate secondary school leaving certificate). 5 percent had Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification). 8 percent of the new apprentices had completed a vocational preparation year (Berufsvorbereitungsjahr) before starting their training. Source: This information is based on data from the Apprentice Data System (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

The remuneration for a dual vocational training (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. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,105 €, 2nd year: 1,183 €, 3rd year: 1,307 €, 4th year: 1,363 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual vocational training (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. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 750 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,014 €. Source: Sachsen-Anhalt Collective Agreement Register, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual vocational training (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. The appropriateness of vocational training remuneration for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 915 €, 2nd year: 990 €, 3rd year: 1,070 €, 4th year: 1,110 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung) exist. These include the ordinance on vocational training for Behälter- und Apparatebauer and Behälter- und Apparatebauerin (BehAppbAusbV) from January 2, 2018, and the framework curriculum plan decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) on November 24, 2017.

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) 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 Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through minimum remuneration provisions. For example, in metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,130 €, 2nd year: 1,182 €, 3rd year: 1,269 €, 4th year: 1,336 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of July 2025. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) 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 Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through minimum remuneration provisions. For example, in metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 845 €, 2nd year: 875 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,100 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

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

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) 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 Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through minimum remuneration provisions. For example, in metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 975 €, 2nd year: 1,031 €, 3rd year: 1,110 €, 4th year: 1,175 €. Source: Collective Agreement Register North Rhine-Westphalia (Tarifregister Nordrhein-Westfalen), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) 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 Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) through minimum remuneration provisions. For example, in metal crafts (monthly gross): 1st year: 750 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,014 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.