Group of international students at university

Industrial electronics engineer

As an electrician for operational technology, you learn how to deal with electric devices, machines and industrial plants.

Vocational training content

Industrial electronics engineers fit and repair electrical devices, machinery and plant equipment that are used for industrial purposes. They carry out repairs in offices and factory workshops and show operators how their equipment works.

To ensure that plant equipment in production halls operates smoothly and safely, the electrics have to be fitted correctly. Industrial electronics engineers learn how to assemble components, measure electrical parameters and check control systems. Upon completion of their vocational training, they will also be capable of programming machine controls and know how to design and run electronic installations.

Does this description sound good to you? Then you might be interested in a vocational training programme in Industrial Electronics Engineering – Automation Technology. Click here to find out more about this profession.

Special requirements

Designing circuit plans does not only require spatial sense, but also drawing skills. In addition, you should have adequate numeracy skills because you will also have to calculate electrical parameters. You should also be technically-minded and have some mechanical skills that enable you to handle electronic systems.

Places of study

This is a dual vocational training course. The theory is taught at a vocational school (Berufsschule), while practical training takes place at a craftsperson’s workshop or an industrial company.

Duration: 3.5 years

Remuneration corresponding to years of vocational training (work in industry)

1st year      €1,000
2nd year     €1,050
3rd year      €1,150
4th year      €1,250

Remuneration corresponding to years of vocational training (craft business)

1st year      €1,091
2nd year     €1,159
3rd year      €1,261
4th year      €1,329

Remuneration (TVAöD): gross salary before tax and deductions for social security contributions; source: Federal Employment Agency (BA), as of July 2023.

Sector of activities 

  • Mechanical engineering and tool manufacture
  • Power supply
  • Automation technology

Your perspectives after completion

  • Employment at a company that builds, operates and maintains/repairs complex machinery and equipment
  • Specialisation in e.g. quality assurance, customer service or production
  • Acquiring additional qualifications such as IT or foreign language skills
  • Continuing vocational training to become a master craftsman or fully qualified engineer

Further information on this profession:

Information on the web

  1. Federal Ministry of Education and Research – Praktisch unschlagbar! Useful links on vocational training
  2. Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) Profiles of several occupations requiring vocational training

Do you have any questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German. 

You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

Smiling young woman working on her laptop at work
Skyline of Hamburg