Bergbautechnologe/Bergbautechnologin Fachrichtung Tiefbohrtechnik

Mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology are trained in the dual system (duales System). Learning locations include the training company (usually deep drilling technology companies) and vocational school (Berufsschule) classrooms. Vocational school instruction is partly conducted in inter-state specialized classes. Currently, for the federal states (Bundesländer) of Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, it takes place at the Berufsbildende Schulen Haldensleben des Landkreises Börde in Haldensleben (Saxony-Anhalt). Source: Overview of Inter-State Specialized Classes (Status: March 27, 2025).

Occupation type: Recognized apprenticeship (Ausbildungsberuf). Training type: Dual training (Ausbildung) in mining (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3 years. Learning locations: Training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology are involved in the development of raw materials and the construction of underground storage facilities. They ensure the professional sinking of shafts, applying various drilling methods depending on the type of rock. After a shaft has been created, they secure it, for example, by cementing, and remove superfluous rock. Furthermore, mining technologists monitor the extraction and processing of raw materials. They assemble and disassemble mining machinery, systems, and equipment, and ensure their maintenance, care, and repair. In addition, mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology conduct geotechnical measurements.

Job title: Mining technologist specializing in deep drilling technology. What does one do in this profession? Mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology are involved in the development of raw materials and the construction of underground storage facilities. They ensure the professional sinking of shafts, applying various drilling methods depending on the type of rock. After a shaft has been created, they secure it, for example, by cementing, and remove superfluous rock. Furthermore, mining technologists monitor the extraction and processing of raw materials. They assemble and disassemble mining machinery, systems, and equipment, and ensure their maintenance, care, and repair. In addition, mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology conduct geotechnical measurements. Where does one work? Mining technologists specializing in deep drilling technology find employment.

3 years.

The training is carried out simultaneously in the training company and in the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and curriculum: 1st - 18th month of training: Training in the company: Material processing, control technology, assembling, disassembling, commissioning, operating, and maintaining machines, systems, and equipment, lifting and moving loads, conveying, logistics and transport, geology and rock mechanics, deposit development, mining cavities. Training in the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning fields: 1st year of training: Manufacturing and processing components, commissioning and checking control technology systems, commissioning, operating, and maintaining technical systems, recognizing and assessing geological conditions. 2nd year of training: Developing the deposit and creating mining cavities, setting up, commissioning, and maintaining machines and equipment, operating.

No costs are charged for carrying out the training. The training company provides the training materials required for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, trainees must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) instruction and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, trainees can receive vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). Further information: Vocational Training Assistance (BAB).

During their vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices 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, request 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 intermediate and final results. They learn to distinguish and select load-lifting and load-securing equipment based on their application possibilities. They learn to describe the geological structure of deposits, and how to extract, load, and transport raw materials, considering mining and extraction methods. They learn to differentiate drilling rigs according to their type of use. They learn how to create and control cavities, considering geological conditions. They learn about the measurement methods used in borehole measurements and how rock properties interact. They learn about the equipment available for borehole control and how to use it.

The following conditions and requirements should be anticipated: In the company: Practical participation (under guidance), e.g., assisting with drilling and blasting mine structures, building support elements. Environment: Underground with artificial lighting, partly high heat, humidity, drafts, confined spaces; outdoors exposed to weather conditions. Clothing: Protective clothing (e.g., helmet, safety glasses, hearing and respiratory protection). Working hours: Shift work. Requirements: Prudence and sense of responsibility (e.g., observing the safety of colleagues, especially during blasting), observational accuracy (e.g., recognizing safety risks), manual dexterity (e.g., when setting up power and working machines), psychological resilience (e.g., working in constant danger and confined spaces underground). At the vocational school (Berufsschule): Classes on one or two days per week or as block instruction.

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

The remuneration for 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. If the training takes place in a school-based form (e.g., at a vocational school or in the 1st year of training as a basic vocational training year BGJ), no training remuneration is paid. Example remuneration can be found on BERUFENET. Remuneration information is variable, please check BERUFENET.

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., to analyze geological conditions. Crafts/Technology: e.g., to create assembly plans and assemble components.

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 (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., about 'Europaassistent/in'.

There are various Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives for this profession. In the mining sector, professions such as Bergbautechnologe/-technologin (Mining Technologist) - Tiefbautechnik (Underground Mining Technology), Aufbereitungsmechaniker/-mechanikerin (Processing Mechanic) - Steinkohle (Hard Coal) or Braunkohle (Lignite) are similar. Their commonality is extracting coal and other mineral raw materials, operating and maintaining technical facilities. In the building materials and natural stone sector, professions such as Aufbereitungsmechaniker/-mechanikerin (Processing Mechanic) - feuerfeste und keramische Rohstoffe (refractory and ceramic raw materials), Sand und Kies (sand and gravel) or Naturstein (natural stone) are similar. Their commonality is extracting mineral raw materials, operating and maintaining technical facilities. In the civil engineering sector, the Baugeräteführer/-führerin (Construction Equipment Operator) profession is comparable in terms of operating and maintaining partially similar machines.

In 2009, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for Bergbautechnologe/-technologin (Mining Technologist) came into force with two specializations: Tiefbautechnik (Underground Mining Technology) and Tiefbohrtechnik (Deep Drilling Technology), making the profession accessible to women. The predecessor profession Bergmechaniker/-mechanikerin (Mining Mechanic) was abolished. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code) 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 BBiG and HWO. These included the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung (vocational training) and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession, independent of a formal vocational training qualification.

The Bergbautechnologe/-technologin (Mining Technologist) with a specialization in Tiefbohrtechnik (Deep Drilling Technology) is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in the mining sector (Ausbildung (vocational training) area of industry and trade).

Qualification title: Bergbautechnologe/-technologin - Fachrichtung Tiefbohrtechnik (Mining Technologist - Deep Drilling Technology Specialization)

Improving opportunities with additional qualifications is possible. Prospective Bergbautechnologe/-technologin (Mining Technologist) candidates 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'. After their Ausbildung (vocational training), Bergbautechnologe/-technologin (Mining Technologist) with a specialization in Tiefbohrtechnik (Deep Drilling Technology) work in deep drilling or raw material extraction companies. To secure employability, Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive training) can keep professional knowledge current, up-to-date, and expanded. The range of topics extends from raw material extraction to hybrid control technology. For career advancement, Aufstiegsweiterbildung (advancement training) helps to progress professionally and achieve leadership positions. Further training as a drilling technician is a logical step.

In 2024, there were 18 new Ausbildung (vocational training) entrants. 83 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate), and 17 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school leaving certificate). 17 percent of the new Ausbildung (vocational training) entrants had completed a Berufsfachschule (vocational school) before starting their Ausbildung (vocational training). These figures are based on information from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) (Apprentice Data System) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB) (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training).

There are legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung). The Ordinance on Vocational Training for Mining Technologists (BergtechAusbV) dates from June 4, 2009, and was amended by the Ordinance of May 5, 2015. A framework curriculum for the vocational training occupation of Mining Technologist (resolution of the Kultusministerkonferenz of April 23, 2009) is in place. Additionally, the Mining Ordinance for the Health Protection of Employees (Gesundheitsschutz-Bergverordnung - GesBergV) dates from July 31, 1991, and was last amended by the Ordinance of November 29, 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 and, in some cases, a minimum age of 17 years are required.