Mechatronics engineer for air-conditioning/refrigeration

Mechatronics engineers for air-conditioning and refrigeration work in companies that build and fix air-conditioning/refrigeration systems in supermarkets, offices, hospitals or other buildings.

Course contents

What are the different methods of joining components? How do you read assembly drawings and circuit diagrams? These are some of the fundamental questions trainees will deal with at the beginning of their training. In the next stage, they will learn how to make complex air-conditioning and refrigeration machinery and systems ready for operation and how to maintain and repair them. Additionally, they will become specialists on cost-efficient and eco-friendly operation of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Does this description sound good to you? Then you might be interested in a vocational training course in mechatronics engineering. Click here (German), to find out more about this profession.

Special requirements

Working with (flammable) cooling agents demands great care and attention. Mechatronics engineers needs to be highly flexible as they will be working on site in different places and environments. However, this also means that you will have a lot of variety in your job. If on top of that you have some mechanical skills and are technically-minded, this will definitely help you master the challenges of this occupation.

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 craftsman’s workshop or an industrial company.

Duration: 3.5 years

Year of training and pay in Euros (craft business)

1st year 420 - 778

2nd year 473 - 860

3rd year 525 - 950

4th year 578 - 1.050

Year of training and pay in Euros (industry)

1st year 976 - 1.047

2nd year 1.029 - 1.102

3rd year 1.102 - 1.199

4th year 1.141 - 1.264

Pay: gross salary before tax and deductions for social contributions; source: Federal Employment Agency (BA); last update: April 2019.

Sector of activities

Mechanical engineering and tool manufacture
Supply and installation
Food and beverage industry

Your perspectives after completion

Employment in a company offering assembly, operation and maintenance/repair of air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems
Specialisation as cold storage warehouse operator, assembly technician, service technician, quality inspector or supervisor
Acquiring additional qualifications such as IT or foreign language skills
Continuing vocational training to become a master craftsman or fully qualified engineer