Biologiemodellmacher/Biologiemodellmacherin

Biology model makers are trained in the dual system. Learning locations are the training company (usually companies that produce teaching and demonstration models): workshops, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. Note: Vocational school instruction is partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes, currently for all states in Sonneberg (Thuringia): State Vocational School Sonneberg. Source: Overview of Cross-State Specialized Classes (As of: 27.03.2025).

Occupation type: A recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of training: Dual Ausbildung (vocational training) in industry (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3 years. Learning locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual Ausbildung). What does one do in this profession? Biology model makers create scale models of human skeletons and organs or medical practice phantoms such as nursing dolls. They also produce animal and plant models. These are used, for example, in biology lessons, medical Studium (university studies), nursing training, or doctor's offices. For the production of the models, biology model makers use molds made of wood, metal, plaster, or wax. The models mainly consist of plastics, which they shape by casting, drawing, pressing, or molding. After drying, they deburr, smooth, and retouch the individual parts. Then they design the surfaces, paint or label them, and assemble individual parts, for example, into an anatomical model.

Job title: Biology model maker. Occupation type: A recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Training duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Biology model makers create scale models of human skeletons and organs or medical practice phantoms such as nursing dolls. They also produce animal and plant models. These are used, for example, in biology lessons, medical Studium (university studies), nursing training, or doctor's offices. For the production of the models, biology model makers use molds made of wood, metal, plaster, or wax. The models mainly consist of plastics, which they shape by casting, drawing, pressing, or molding. After drying, they deburr, smooth, and retouch the individual parts. Then they design the surfaces, paint or label them, and assemble individual parts, for example, into an anatomical model. Finally, they check the models for quality and functionality. Where do they work? Biology model makers typically work in companies that produce teaching and demonstration models.

3 years.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school instruction takes place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st - 18th month of training: Training in the company: Handling tools, operating and maintaining machines and equipment, producing hand-cast parts, processing one-piece models, designing and treating the surfaces of models. 1st and 2nd year of training: Training in the Berufsschule (vocational school) in the learning fields: 1st year of training: Presenting the profession and company, producing models, producing hand-cast parts, producing surfaces of one-piece models. 2nd year of training: Producing blanks mechanically, preparing model parts for assembly, designing surfaces of multi-piece models. Intermediate examination at the end of the 2nd year of training. 19th - 36th month of training: Deepening and expanding the knowledge from the first 18 months of training, processing multi-piece models.

No costs are incurred for the Ausbildung (vocational 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 instruction in the Berufsschule (vocational school) and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training facilities are located far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, trainees can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During this Ausbildung (vocational training), trainees learn how to handle tools, set up and operate machines, and apply various casting techniques. They also learn to maintain molds, clean, retouch, and smooth models. They acquire skills in connecting model parts and checking their fit and functionality. Furthermore, they learn to select colors and apply different painting techniques according to scientific specifications, and to create drawings of anatomical, botanical, and zoological models. Knowledge about rights, duties, and organization during training is also covered.

In this profession, trainees should be prepared for practical work in the company, such as mixing plastic compounds, gluing individual parts, and deburring, smoothing, and painting parts. The work environment in workshops may involve dust and machine noise, requiring protective clothing (e.g., hearing protection, respirators, safety glasses). Manual dexterity, drawing skills, spatial imagination, and accuracy of observation are important. Carefulness is essential for creating true-to-nature biological models. Vocational school (Berufsschule) instruction is conducted in block format.

Trainees can complete parts of their Ausbildung (vocational training) abroad. Internships of at least 3 weeks are available in various European countries as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. A secondary school leaving certificate is required for this internship.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company and is based on collective bargaining agreements for companies bound by such agreements. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or as a basic vocational training year BGJ), no training allowance is paid. Example monthly gross allowances for Biologiemodellherstellung are: 1st year: €724, 2nd year: €854, 3rd year: €977. This information is as of January 2026, and currently, only the Bundesland (federal state) of Bavaria has a regulation for the industry. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Biology (e.g., to create detailed anatomical models), Art (e.g., to create drawings and sketches), Manual Arts/Technology (e.g., to work with wood and metals), and Mathematics (e.g., to create models to scale).

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. It expands the initial Ausbildung (vocational training) with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve foreign language skills. Trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, for example, in European commercial and economic law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber provides further information on this additional qualification.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Biologiemodellmacher/in (Biology Model Maker): In the field of biology, Medical Dissection and Preparation Assistant or State-Certified Preparation Technical Assistant are similar, both involving the creation of objects for biological observation. In the field of model making, Technical Model Maker (specializing in Visualization, Foundry, or Bodywork and Production) are similar, both involving the creation of scale replicas of real or planned objects.

In 1938, the profession and its job description were recognized. In 2017, the Ausbildung regulations were modernized. In 2020, the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HWO) were revised, introducing a minimum Ausbildung remuneration and expanding the possibility of completing Ausbildung on a Teilzeit (part-time) basis. In 2024, the Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act came into force, making adjustments to the BBiG and HWO, including the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on a recognized Ausbildung profession, regardless of a formal vocational training qualification.

Biologiemodellmacher/in (Biology Model Maker) is a recognized 3-year Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry.

Qualification title: Biologiemodellmacher/Biologiemodellmacherin (Biology Model Maker).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act via the minimum remuneration. For example, monthly gross remuneration for biology model making: 1st year of Ausbildung: 724 €, 2nd year of Ausbildung: 854 €, 3rd year of Ausbildung: 977 €. Source: Training company, as of January 2026. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications: Aspiring biology model makers can gain 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'. Find the right employment: After their Ausbildung, biology model makers work in companies that produce teaching and demonstration models. Secure employability: Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from plastic design to color theory. Advance professionally: Upward further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is obvious to take the exam as a Technical Specialist (Technische/r Fachwirt/in). With a university entrance qualification, one can also pursue a Studium (university degree) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree.

In 2024, 6 individuals started this Ausbildung (vocational training). Three of them had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Information on the distribution of other educational qualifications is not available. These figures are based on information from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB).

Legal regulations and recommendations for this Ausbildung include: The Ordinance on Vocational Training for Biologiemodellmacher and Biologiemodellmacherin (Biologiemodellmacherausbildungsverordnung - BMMAusbV) from 08.06.2017 (BGBl. I S. 1550). There is also a framework curriculum for the vocational training occupation of Biologiemodellmacher and Biologiemodellmacherin (resolution of the Kultusministerkonferenz from 30.03.2017).

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