Beton- und Stahlbetonbauer/Beton- und Stahlbetonbauerin

Concrete and reinforced concrete builders are trained in the dual system (duales System). Learning locations include the training company (craft and industrial businesses): construction sites, shell constructions, and the vocational school (Berufsschule): classrooms. Additionally, parts of the training must be completed in inter-company training centers. Note: Vocational school (Berufsschule) instruction is partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes; currently: for the states of Bremen and Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) at the Education Center for Technology and Design of the City of Oldenburg in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony). Source: Overview of Cross-State Specialized Classes (As of: 27.03.2025).

Vocational training (Ausbildung) in the construction industry is being modernized. The training in the 19 recognized vocational training occupations (Ausbildungsberuf) in the construction industry is being updated and adapted in terms of both content and structure. Technical progress and, in particular, increased requirements for environmental and consumer protection (e.g., regarding energy saving and avoidance of CO2 emissions) necessitate a reorganization of the training. Both in new construction and in building renovation, the requirements for occupations in the construction industry have changed: for example, buildings are becoming smarter, and technical systems, tools, and machines are increasingly networked. The effects of new technologies and procedures, as well as digitalization, on activities in the construction industry are taken into account in the new training regulations, as is the topic of sustainability. The current legal basis for all 19 construction occupations is the 'Regulation on Vocational Training in the Construction Industry'. In the future...

Occupation type: Recognized vocational training occupation (Ausbildungsberuf). Type of training: Dual training (duale Ausbildung) in industry and crafts (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? Concrete and reinforced concrete builders construct concrete and reinforced concrete structures, e.g., for bridges, halls, and high-rise buildings. They assemble or manufacture formwork and support scaffolding, bend and weave steel reinforcements to prevent concrete breakage, and install the reinforcements into the formwork. They produce concrete mixtures or process ready-delivered ready-mix concrete. They place the fresh concrete into the formwork and compact it by tamping and vibrating. After hardening, they remove the formwork and, if necessary, finish the concrete surfaces. They assemble precast concrete elements and seal, insulate, and isolate concrete structures. They also repair damage to concrete components. Where does one work? Employing companies...

Job title: Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builder. Occupation type: Recognized vocational training occupation (Ausbildungsberuf). Training duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Concrete and reinforced concrete builders construct concrete and reinforced concrete structures, e.g., for bridges, halls, and high-rise buildings. They assemble or manufacture formwork and support scaffolding, bend and weave steel reinforcements to prevent concrete breakage, and install the reinforcements into the formwork. They produce concrete mixtures or process ready-delivered ready-mix concrete. They place the fresh concrete into the formwork and compact it by tamping and vibrating. After hardening, they remove the formwork and, if necessary, finish the concrete surfaces. They assemble precast concrete elements and seal, insulate, and isolate concrete structures. They also repair damage to concrete components. Where does one work? Concrete and reinforced concrete builders find employment in companies specializing in structural, civil, or precast construction, as well as in bridge and tunnel construction companies.

3 years

The training is conducted simultaneously in the training company and at the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school (Berufsschule) instruction takes place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpts from the training framework plan and curriculum: 1st year of training: Training in the company and in inter-company courses: Order acceptance, performance recording, work plan and process plan. Setting up, securing, and clearing construction sites; checking, storing, and selecting construction and auxiliary materials. Reading and applying drawings, making sketches; carrying out measurements. Processing wood and manufacturing wooden components. Manufacturing components from concrete and reinforced concrete, as well as building bodies from stones. Installing insulation materials for thermal, cold, sound, and fire protection. Producing plasters, screeds, and drywall components. Setting and laying tiles and slabs. Creating excavation pits and trenches, shoring, and dewatering. Creating traffic routes. Laying and connecting...

No costs are incurred for undertaking this vocational training (Ausbildung). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, trainees must cover the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) lessons and work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. In certain life situations, trainees can receive vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). For more information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

In the training company, trainees learn, for example, which tools, construction equipment, and machines exist and how to handle them. They learn what needs to be considered when producing structural elements from stones, mortar and concrete mixtures, formwork, reinforcements, insulation, wall plaster, and screed. They learn how to create building pits and trenches, what to consider when reading and preparing drawings, sketches, and laying plans. They learn what to consider when installing pre-fabricated parts, how to install stairs, what to consider in work planning, which formwork rules apply to all types of structural components, how to produce reinforcements from rebar and steel mesh, and how to finish concrete surfaces according to design aspects. Furthermore, throughout the training, knowledge is imparted on topics such as rights and obligations during training, the organization of the training company, and environmental protection. In vocational school (Berufsschule), theoretical knowledge is acquired.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical work is performed under guidance; for example, making formwork, bending steel reinforcements, compacting concrete by tamping and vibrating. The environment involves changing construction sites, working outdoors and in shell constructions (cold, heat, rain, drafts), machine noise, and construction dust. Protective clothing (e.g., safety helmet, gloves, safety shoes) is worn. Working hours may partly involve shift work. Requirements include good physical constitution (e.g., when lifting and carrying building materials), manual dexterity (e.g., when precisely assembling finished concrete parts), body control and freedom from vertigo (e.g., when working on ladders and scaffolding), and teamwork skills (e.g., when jointly transporting and installing large pre-fabricated concrete parts). At vocational school (Berufsschule), lessons are held one or two days per week or as block instruction.

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

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by these agreements. Trainees 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 (federal states) – excluding Berlin (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,122 €, 2nd year of training: 1,351 €, 3rd year of training: 1,610 €. Example for the construction industry in the old Bundesländer (federal states) – excluding Berlin (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,122 €, 2nd year of training: 1,351 €, 3rd year of training: 1,610 €. Example for the construction industry in Berlin (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,122 €, 2nd year of training: 1,351 €, 3rd year of training: 1,610 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information of the federal government and the Bundesländer (federal states) (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, collective bargaining archives of the Bundesländer).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics: Determining building material requirements, area calculations, and preparing necessary measurements require good knowledge of mathematics. Manual Arts/Technology: Experience in manual arts and technology facilitates working with tools, machines, and equipment on construction sites during training. Knowledge of technical drawing is helpful for representing building components as sketches and reading technical drawings. Physics: Prospective concrete and reinforced concrete builders need physical knowledge to correctly assess, for example, the properties of materials and the effects of forces and types of levers.

The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" (Europe Assistant) is aimed at apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. 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, for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information.

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) alternatives are available for the profession of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builder: In the field of structural engineering: Bricklayer, Furnace and Chimney Builder, Structural Mechanic for Demolition and Concrete Cutting Technology, Facade Installer. Commonality: Producing, and if necessary, dismantling concrete components and masonry. In the field of building materials and natural stones: Precast Concrete Builder, Stonemason. Commonality: Producing or installing concrete mixtures, formwork, and reinforcements.

1934: First entry in the directory of trades that can be practiced as a craft. 1957: Recognition of the job profile for the concrete and reinforced concrete construction craft. 1974: Training regulations according to the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) for vocational training (Berufsausbildung) in the construction industry come into force; training also in the construction industry. 1998: Consolidation of the professions of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builder with the professions of Bricklayer and Furnace and Chimney Builder to form the Bricklayer and Concrete Builder craft. 1999: Modernization of training content, e.g., use of new building and auxiliary materials, use of equipment and machinery, work in the area of renovation and repair. 2020: Amendment of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO): e.g., introduction of a minimum training allowance (Mindestausbildungsvergütung); expansion of the possibility to complete vocational training (Ausbildung) part-time. The permeability within vocational education (berufliche Bildung) is also improved. For example, training regulations can provide for apprentices to complete their training under certain conditions.

Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builder is a 3-year recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) profession in industry and crafts.

Qualification title: Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builder.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications: Future Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builders can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their vocational training (Ausbildung), for example, in the field of European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in". Find the right employment: After their training, Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Builders work, among other places, in structural and precast construction or in civil engineering, e.g., in bridge and tunnel construction. Secure employability: Through adaptive further training (Anpassungsweiterbildung), one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from concrete and reinforced concrete construction to building renovation. Advance professionally: Upward further training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to take the examination as a Master Bricklayer and Concrete Builder (Maurer- und Betonbauermeister/in). With a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), one can also pursue a university degree (Studium).

In 2024, there were 300 new apprentices in the industrial and commercial Ausbildung (vocational training) sector. Of these, 40 percent had Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification), 26 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate, and 24 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school leaving certificate). 3 percent did not have a Hauptschulabschluss. In the crafts Ausbildung sector, there were 270 new apprentices; 39 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss, 31 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate, and 23 percent had Hochschulreife. 2 percent did not have a Hauptschulabschluss. These figures may vary depending on the Bundesland (federal state).

Legal regulations and recommendations for this Ausbildung are set out in the Vocational Training Ordinance for the Construction Industry (BauWiAusbV) of 02.06.1999, and the Framework Curriculum Plan for Construction Industry Professions, decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 05.02.1999.

Legally, no specific prior education is required for this Ausbildung.

A completed Ausbildung (vocational training) as a Hochbaufacharbeiter/in, for example with a focus on concrete and reinforced concrete work, can be credited towards the Ausbildung to become a Beton- und Stahlbetonbauer/in.