Berg- und Maschinenmann/Berg- und Maschinenfrau Fachrichtung Vortrieb und Gewinnung

Mining and machine operators specializing in driving and extraction are trained in a dual system. Learning takes place at the training company (usually mining operations) and the vocational school (Berufsschule). 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 in certain Bundesländer (federal states); for example, for Saxony and Thuringia, it is in Freiberg (Saxony) at the 'Julius Weisbach' Vocational School for Technology and Economics.

This is a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany, conducted in a dual system (company and vocational school). The training duration is 2 years. Mining and machine operators specializing in driving and extraction work in tunnel driving and also ensure tunnel maintenance in mines. Furthermore, the extraction and transport of raw materials fall within their area of responsibility. For example, they operate driving machines for constructing tunnels and shafts, prepare blasting operations, and protect shaft and tunnel walls from breakthroughs with explosion barriers. They also operate and maintain mining machinery and ensure ventilation through air circulation systems. They can find employment in lignite mining, iron ore mining, potash or fluorspar mines, and underground landfills.

The job title is Mining and Machine Operator specializing in Driving and Extraction (Berg- und Maschinenmann/-frau der Fachrichtung Vortrieb und Gewinnung). In this profession, individuals work in tunnel driving and also ensure tunnel maintenance in mines. Furthermore, the extraction and transport of raw materials fall within their area of responsibility. For example, they operate driving machines for constructing tunnels and shafts, prepare blasting operations, and protect shaft and tunnel walls from breakthroughs with explosion barriers. They also operate and maintain mining machinery and ensure ventilation through air circulation systems. They can find employment in lignite mining, iron ore mining, potash or fluorspar mines, and underground landfills.

2 years

The training is conducted simultaneously at the training company and the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school instruction takes place on specific weekdays or in block form. In the 1st year of training, basic skills in metal processing and mining are learned at the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses. In vocational school, subjects include an introduction to professional life, basic knowledge of metal, wood, and building materials, basic mining knowledge, technical mathematics, and technical drawing. An intermediate examination is taken at the end of the 1st year. In the 2nd year of training, basic machine technology skills, drilling in mineral and host rock, extracting, loosening, loading, and conveying mineral and host rock, supporting mine workings, maintaining mine workings, and handling ventilation systems are learned at the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses. Relevant subjects are also taught in vocational school.

No costs are incurred for conducting the training. The training company provides the training materials needed for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school instruction and work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. In certain life situations, apprentices can receive vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe - BAB). For more information, please refer to Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB) resources.

During their vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn how to make common timber connections in mining, transport materials by hand and with conveying equipment, and read technical documents and mine surveying drawings. They also learn how to separate, forge, bend, and straighten workpieces (sheets, profile parts, flat profiles, angle profiles), what to consider when drilling, countersinking, and thread cutting, and the types of joining methods (screw, hose, pipe connections). They learn how to check surfaces for flatness and workpieces for dimensional accuracy, the drilling and blasting procedures for breaking through mineral and country rock, and how to extract, loosen, load, and transport mineral and country rock. Furthermore, they learn what is required for support (installing supports in mining) and how to install and maintain ventilation systems (fresh air supply). Throughout the training, knowledge about topics such as rights and duties during the Ausbildung is also acquired.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical work is carried out under supervision, such as securing and supporting shaft and tunnel walls, performing drilling work, and filling cavities with backfill. The working environment is underground, under artificial lighting, sometimes with high heat, humidity, drafts, and confined spaces; outdoors, one is exposed to weather conditions. Protective clothing (e.g., hard hat, safety glasses, hearing and respiratory protection) is worn. Working hours involve shift work. Prudence and a sense of responsibility (e.g., ensuring the safety of colleagues, for example during blasting), observational accuracy (e.g., recognizing safety risks), manual dexterity (e.g., replacing machine parts), and psychological resilience (e.g., working in constant danger and confined spaces underground) are required. At the vocational school (Berufsschule), instruction takes place one or two days a week or as block instruction.

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

The training allowance 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 an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school-based form (e.g., at a vocational college or as a vocational basic training year BGJ in the 1st year of training), no training allowance is paid. For example, in the construction industry in the new Bundesländer (excluding Berlin), the monthly gross salary is: 1st year of training: €1,122, 2nd year of training: €1,351. In the construction industry in the old Bundesländer (excluding Berlin), the monthly gross salary is: 1st year of training: €1,122, 2nd year of training: €1,351. In the construction industry in Berlin, the monthly gross salary is: 1st year of training: €1,122, 2nd year of training: €1,351. These figures are taken from federal and state (Bundesland) collective bargaining information (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the Bundesländer). These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Crafts/Technology: e.g., for installing supports in mining. Mathematics: e.g., for calculating cross-sections, weights, and speeds.

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 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 Miner and Machine Operator (Advancement and Extraction Specialization): In the mining sector, Miner and Machine Operator (Transport and Maintenance Specialization), Mining Technologist (Deep Mining Technology Specialization), and Mining Technologist (Deep Drilling Technology Specialization). Commonality: extracting coal and other raw materials in mines.

In 1979, the Ausbildung regulation for Miner and Machine Operator with specializations in Advancement and Extraction, as well as Transport and Maintenance, came into force under the Vocational Training Act. In 2009, the Ausbildung became accessible to women. In 2013, the female job title was added to the Ausbildung regulation. In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were revised: a minimum Ausbildung remuneration was introduced, and the possibility of completing Ausbildungen part-time was expanded. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, with adjustments to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO): including the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung; the introduction of a determination and certification procedure (vocational validation) of individual professional competence based on the standard of a recognized Ausbildung profession, regardless of a formal vocational training qualification.

Miner and Machine Operator (Advancement and Extraction Specialization) is a 2-year recognized Ausbildung profession in mining (Ausbildung area Industry and Trade).

Qualification title: Miner and Machine Operator - Advancement and Extraction Specialization.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Future Miner and Machine Operators (Advancement and Extraction Specialization) can secure a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung, for example, in the field of European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' (European Assistant). Finding the right employment after Ausbildung: Miner and Machine Operators (Advancement and Extraction Specialization) work, among others, in lignite mining and iron ore mining. Securing employability: Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from foundation, water, and rock engineering to blasting technology. Advancing professionally: Upward further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to complete further training as a technician in mining technology.

In 2024, there were 18 Ausbildung beginners. 50 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school certificate) or a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate school certificate). Ausbildung beginners 2024 (in %): Hauptschulabschluss* [50.0%], mittlerer Bildungsabschluss [50.0%]. *Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), also called (Simple) Vocational Training Qualification, Vocational Qualification, Successful Completion of Middle School, First (general education) School Certificate. Source: The data is based on information from the data system for apprentices (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

Legal regulations and recommendations exist for this vocational training (Ausbildung). The ordinance on vocational training for Berg- und Maschinenmann and Berg- und Maschinenfrau (BergMAusbV) dates from 22.06.1979 and was amended on 29.07.2013. There is also a framework curriculum for the vocational training occupation of Berg- und Maschinenmann and Berg- und Maschinenfrau (decision by the Kultusministerkonferenz from 01.06.1979, as amended on 04.07.2013). A general mining regulation for the health protection of employees (Gesundheitsschutz-Bergverordnung - GesBergV) dates from 31.07.1991 and was last amended on 29.11.2018.

Legally, no specific prior education is required. However, for access to the vocational training (Ausbildung), proof of medical suitability through a doctor's certificate is demanded.