Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin Fachrichtung Tiefbautechnik

Mining technologists specializing in deep mining technology are trained in a dual system (duales System). Learning locations include the training company (usually mining operations) and vocational school (Berufsschule) 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 partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes in some federal states (Bundesland). For example, for Baden-Württemberg and Hessen in Bad Hersfeld; for Brandenburg, Niedersachsen, Sachsen, and Sachsen-Anhalt in Haldensleben; and for Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sachsen, and Thüringen in Sondershausen. This information is based on the overview of cross-state specialized classes as of March 27, 2025.

This is a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) occupation. It is structured as dual training (duale Ausbildung) in the mining sector and lasts for 3 years. Learning locations are the training company and vocational school. In this profession, mining technologists specializing in deep mining technology operate various mining machines for breaking and clearing rock, coal, or salts, and they repair and maintain them. They also assess geological conditions and determine ventilation and climate control conditions and requirements. They participate in the development of deposits and are responsible for the operation of 'Fahrung' (personnel transport, e.g., entry and exit of workers). Mining technologists find employment in mining and in raw material extraction companies.

The job title is Mining Technologist specializing in Deep Mining Technology. In this profession, mining technologists specializing in deep mining technology operate various mining machines for breaking and clearing rock, coal, or salts, and they repair and maintain them. They also assess geological conditions and determine ventilation and climate control conditions and requirements. They participate in the development of deposits and are responsible for the operation of 'Fahrung' (personnel transport, e.g., entry and exit of workers). Mining technologists find employment in mining and in raw material extraction companies. Other professions in mining are also available.

The training duration is 3 years.

The training is carried out in parallel in the training company and at the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpts from the training framework plan and curriculum include: During the first 1-18 months, training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses covers material processing, control technology, assembly, disassembly, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of machines, systems, and facilities, lifting and moving loads, conveying, logistics and transport, geology and rock mechanics, deposit development, and mining cavities. In vocational school, the first year includes learning fields such as manufacturing and processing components, commissioning and checking control systems, commissioning, operating, and maintaining technical systems, and recognizing and assessing geological conditions. The second year covers developing deposits and creating mining cavities, as well as setting up and commissioning.

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

In this vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to assess material properties and their changes, and how to select and handle materials according to their use. They also learn how to select, order on time, check, transport, and provide tools and materials. They learn how to apply quality assurance measures in their own work area, especially how to check and evaluate interim and final results. They learn to differentiate and select load-lifting and load-securing equipment based on their application possibilities, and to describe the geological structure of deposits. They learn how to extract, load, and transport raw materials, considering extraction and recovery methods. They learn about different ventilation systems (Bewetterungssysteme) and how to distinguish them, and how to install, remove, and maintain structures for regulating and guiding air currents. They also learn to describe backfilling methods and prepare mine workings for backfilling.

In this vocational training (Ausbildung), one should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Practical participation in the company (under guidance) is expected, for example, assisting with drilling and blasting in mine workings, building support elements, and setting up conveyor belts. The working environment can be underground with artificial lighting, sometimes with high heat, humidity, drafts, and confined spaces; outdoors, one may be exposed to weather conditions. Protective clothing (e.g., hard hat, safety glasses, hearing and respiratory protection) is mandatory. Working hours are shift-based. Prudence and a sense of responsibility (e.g., considering the safety of colleagues, especially when working in coal seams), observational accuracy (e.g., recognizing safety risks), manual dexterity (e.g., manufacturing and processing structural elements), and psychological resilience (e.g., working in constant danger and confined spaces underground) are required. At the vocational school (Berufsschule), instruction takes place on one or two days per week or as block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, for example, in various European countries. An internship abroad as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is possible. This internship lasts at least 3 weeks, and a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is a prerequisite. 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. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or as a basic vocational training year BGJ in the 1st year of training), no training allowance is paid. Example for the stone and earth industry (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 992 € to 1,118 €, 2nd year of training: 1,131 € to 1,325 €, 3rd year of training: 1,232 € to 1,532 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal government and the federal states (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 is a good prerequisite for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics: e.g., to perform mass, pressure, area, and volume calculations. Physics: e.g., knowledge of material properties, physical laws, and their relationships with rock mechanics. Manual Arts/Technology: e.g., to create assembly and disassembly plans for machines and to assemble components.

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

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin (Mining Technologist) specializing in Deep Construction Technology: In the field of Mining: Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin - Deep Drilling Technology, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin (Processing Mechanic) - Hard Coal, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin - Lignite. Commonality: Extracting coal and possibly other mineral raw materials, operating and maintaining technical facilities. In the field of Building Materials and Natural Stones: Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin - Refractory and Ceramic Raw Materials, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin - Natural Stone, Aufbereitungsmechaniker/Aufbereitungsmechanikerin - Sand and Gravel. Commonality: Extracting coal and possibly other mineral raw materials, operating and and maintaining technical facilities. In the field of Civil Engineering: Baugeräteführer/Baugeräteführerin (Construction Equipment Operator). Commonality: Operating and maintaining partially comparable machines.

In 2009, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin came into force with two specializations: Deep Construction Technology and Deep Drilling Technology (Ausbildung now accessible to women). The predecessor profession of Bergmechaniker/Bergmechanikerin (Mining Mechanic) was abolished. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code) were amended: among other things, a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration was introduced; the possibility of completing Ausbildung in Teilzeit (part-time) was expanded. In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetzes (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force with adjustments to the BBiG and HWO: among other things, the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung; the introduction of an assessment 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.

Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin - Deep Construction Technology specialization is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in the mining sector (Ausbildung area Industry and Trade).

Graduation title: Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin - Fachrichtung Tiefbautechnik (Mining Technologist - Deep Construction Technology Specialization).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a duale Ausbildung (dual 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 appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration is regulated for Ausbildung programs starting in 2020 and later by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 1,020 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 1,221 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,449 €. Source: Bayerisches Tarifregister (BTR), as of March 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a duale Ausbildung (dual 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 appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration is regulated for Ausbildung programs starting in 2020 and later by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 1,041 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 1,200 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,386 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary in Hessen is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the Ausbildung salary is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,064 €, 2nd year: 1,167 €, 3rd year: 1,234 €. Source: IG Bau, as of October 2025. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary in Sachsen is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the Ausbildung salary is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,041 €, 2nd year: 1,200 €, 3rd year: 1,386 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Future mining technologists specializing in Deep Mining Technology 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 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. Find the right employment. After their training, mining technologists specializing in Deep Mining Technology work in mining and other raw material extraction companies. Secure employability. Through adaptive continuing education (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from raw material extraction to hybrid control technology. Advance professionally. Upward-focused continuing education (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. Further training as a technician in geology is a logical step.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary in Thüringen is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the Ausbildung salary is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,041 €, 2nd year: 1,200 €, 3rd year: 1,386 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) salary in Brandenburg is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the Ausbildung salary is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,041 €, 2nd year: 1,200 €, 3rd year: 1,386 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 60 new Ausbildung (vocational training) entrants. 50 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), 25 percent had a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). 20 percent had a basic secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss). Of the 2024 Ausbildung entrants, 20% had a Hauptschulabschluss*, 50% had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss, and 25% had a Hochschulreife. Other qualifications accounted for 5%. *Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), also known as (Einfache) Berufsbildungsreife, Berufsreife, Erfolgreicher Abschluss der Mittelschule, Erster (allgemeinbildender) Schulabschluss. Source: This information is based on data from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,041 €, 2nd training year: 1,200 €, 3rd training year: 1,386 €. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,082 €, 2nd training year: 1,175 €, 3rd training year: 1,262 €. Source: IG Bau, as of July 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations for training include: Ordinance on vocational training for Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin (BergtechAusbV) of 04.06.2009 (BGBl. I p. 1240), amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance of 05.05.2015 (BGBl. I p. 683). Framework curriculum for the vocational training profession Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin (Resolution of the Kultusministerkonferenz (Conference of Ministers of Education) of 23.04.2009). Overarching legal regulation (training/activity): Mining ordinance on the health protection of employees (Gesundheitsschutz-Bergverordnung - GesBergV) of 31.07.1991 (BGBl. I p. 1751), last amended by Article 11 of the Ordinance of 29.11.2018 (BGBl. I p. 2034).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,118 €, 2nd training year: 1,325 €, 3rd training year: 1,532 €. Source: IHK Stuttgart, as of March 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required. However, for access to the Ausbildung (vocational training), proof of health suitability through a medical certificate and a minimum age of, for example, 17 years are sometimes required.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. Example for the Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 992 €, 2nd training year: 1,131 €, 3rd training year: 1,232 €. Source: IG Bau, as of February 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, in companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted a reasonable 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 Stone and Earth Industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: €1,041, 2nd year of training: €1,200, 3rd year of training: €1,386. Source: IG Bau, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.