Betriebswirt/Betriebswirtin (Fachschule) für Kraftfahrzeuge

This advanced training takes place at technical colleges (Fachschulen) and other educational institutions. Learning locations include classrooms, computer rooms, and workshops.

Occupation type: Advanced training occupation (Betriebswirt/in). Type of advanced training: Advanced training regulated by Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammern). Duration of advanced training: 11 months (full-time). Tasks and activities: Business economists in the automotive sector prepare balance sheets and profit-and-loss statements, and review accounting documents. They develop marketing strategies, plan and implement advertising measures. They also advise customers, prepare offers, conduct sales negotiations, and monitor order execution. In purchasing and warehousing, they negotiate and determine delivery and payment terms, and monitor delivery dates and goods receipt. Furthermore, they plan personnel deployment and instruct employees. Work areas and locations: Business economists in the automotive sector are employed in wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts, in automobile manufacturing companies, and in supplier companies for the automotive industry.

Full-time: 11 months.

Course fees apply for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training institution, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Preparatory courses for the advanced training examination can be financially supported according to the Advanced Training Promotion Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz). Further information: Aufstiegs-BAföG - Advancement with Funding. Promotion of particularly talented young specialists: Foundation for the Promotion of Gifted Vocational Education (Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung (SBB)) - Advanced Training Scholarship.

Assessing the economic viability of companies, e.g., using balance sheets and profit and loss statements to analyze a company's strengths and weaknesses, conducting operational controlling. Analyzing the business management of the company, e.g., making decisions on location, company size, and personnel requirements, preparing and justifying investment plans and financing concepts. Developing automotive company management strategies, e.g., presenting requirements in the workshop and after-sales area as well as in sales control. Reviewing legal and tax framework conditions, e.g., applying corporate and tax law in connection with the establishment or takeover of automotive businesses. Developing sales and management strategies, e.g., developing marketing concepts, planning, managing, and controlling personnel development in the automotive business. Selecting control systems and process solutions, e.g., selecting the use of information and communication technologies.

Depending on the educational offer, there may be different additional qualifications, e.g., a qualification as a Specialist for Insurance Brokering (Fachmann/-frau für Versicherungsvermittlung (IHK)).

In-depth knowledge in the following areas is a good prerequisite for successfully passing the advanced training (Weiterbildung) examination: Economics/Law (e.g., for budget planning in car dealerships and automotive businesses) and Mathematics (e.g., for preparing profit-and-loss statements).

The advanced training (Weiterbildung) consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the educational provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Class time involves full-time lessons on at least four weekdays. The learning format is typically in-person classes, meaning instruction in a classroom setting at the educational institution (possibly not in the place of residence).

Participation in advanced training (Weiterbildung) is not remunerated.

The following advanced training (Weiterbildung) alternatives are available for the profession of business administrator in the automotive industry: In the field of trade, one can become a Business Administrator (Fachschule) for general business administration/Bachelor Professional in Business or a Certified Trade Specialist (Geprüfter Handelsfachwirt/Geprüfte Handelsfachfachwirtin). The commonality is taking on specialist tasks in marketing and sales. In the field of automotive and road traffic, one can become a Certified Automotive Service Advisor (Geprüfter Automobil-Serviceberater/Geprüfte Automobil-Serviceberaterin). The commonality is organizing work processes in automotive service companies.

In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were amended to emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. These amendments introduced advanced training (Weiterbildung) qualifications such as 'Certified Vocational Specialist (Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in)', 'Bachelor Professional', and 'Master Professional'. The use of professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations.

Graduation title: Business Administrator in the Automotive Industry (HWK) (Betriebswirt im Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (HWK)/Betriebswirtin im Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (HWK)).

Becoming a business administrator in the automotive sector is a professional advanced training. It is regulated by chamber law. The full-time training lasts 11 months.

Improve your chances with additional qualifications. Aspiring business administrators in the automotive sector can secure a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their advanced training, such as the 'Fachmann/-frau für Versicherungsvermittlung' (IHK) (specialist for insurance mediation). After their advanced training, business administrators in the automotive sector work, for example, in wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts, as well as in companies in the automotive industry, such as automobile manufacturers and supplier companies for the automotive industry. You can maintain, update, and expand your expertise through adaptive advanced training. The range of topics extends from sales to commercial law. You can advance your career through further advanced training programs specifically designed for graduates, building upon existing qualifications.

This advanced training is also available with the following specializations: Sales Performance, After Sales Performance, Back Office Performance, and Studium Generale (General Studies).

For the examination, the responsible Chambers of Crafts (Handwerkskammern) issue examination regulations. For example, there are special legal regulations for the advanced training examination to become a business administrator in the automotive sector (HWK) from 12.11.2020 (HWK Hildesheim-Südniedersachsen), amended by announcement from 24.08.2021. An overview of the responsible Chambers of Crafts is available: Business Administrator in the Automotive Sector, regulations of the responsible bodies for professional advanced training.

Educational institutions usually require a completed commercial or industrial-technical Ausbildung (vocational training) in the automotive sector and, if applicable, professional experience.