Print version Recommend this page Press release
17/ 2007
Bonn, 30.03.2007
Hot off the press: two new training occupations for the machines sector
The machines we encounter in the bank, at the station, in the office and not least in our leisure time, whether these be ATP's, ticket machines, vending machines, time recording machines or even gambling machines, have become an integral part of our lives. The technological progress represented by these service and leisure machines has, however, also brought about an increase in the level of requirements made of those who work with them. The existing training occupations are not viewed as sufficient for the provision of training to the skilled workers required or to continue to cover requirements in terms of such workers. For this reason, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has been commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to work in conjunction with experts from the branch to draw up two new training occupations for the machines sector: "Machine service technician" (two-year training) and "Machine specialist" (three-year training). The aim is for training in both new occupations to commence by August 2008 at the latest.
Possible areas of deployment for the new occupations exist at companies within the machines sector in particular, although there are also opportunities in transport companies, at gastronomic establishments or with operators of amusement arcades and leisure facilities. The machines sector currently employs around 100,000 people.
The future "Machine service technicians"
- install and connect machines which are ready for operation,
- test the functionality of machines and fill and empty machines,
- identify malfunctions and their causes and are able to eliminate and document these,
- explain the function of machines to customers, provide operating instructions and process complaints
- perform accounting and cash accounting procedures,
- identify consumer behaviour and requirements and take part in advertising activities,
- recommend locations for types of devices according due consideration to legal stipulations,
- clean and maintain machines, exchange components and
- conduct advisory and sales talks.
"Machine specialists" undergo three years of training and may acquire additional elective qualifications from the commercial and/or technical fields. In the commercial areas, this training provides skills in
- commercial business processes,
- marketing and
- human resources management.
In technically oriented companies, deeper skills may be obtained in the fields of
- mechatronic installation,
- maintenance and
- information and communications technology.
The plan is for those who have successfully completed training as "Machine service technicians" to proceed to a further year's training acquire a qualification as "Machine specialists" if the company and the trainees themselves wish.
Further information in German is available on the BIBB website at
www.bibb.de/de/neue-berufe_27438.htm or www.bibb.de/de/neue-berufe_27437.htm
Points of contact at BIBB for further enquiries:
Petra Westpfahl, Tel.: 0228 / 107-2226; westpfahl@bibb.de
Martin Elsner, Tel.: 0228 / 107-2430; elsner@bibb.de
