Vocational education and training provision for two-wheeled vehicle mechatronics thoroughly modernised

Technological development has long since engulfed also the field of modern two-wheeled vehicle technology. The sales of bicycles with an electric motor are rapidly increasing; the so-called e-bikes and pedelecs are very much in vogue. The share of electronic systems in motorcycles likewise steadily increases. The manufacturing, trading and crafts businesses working with this kind of vehicle technology urgently need skilled staff with corresponding qualifications.

This is why, on behalf of the federal government, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has updated the three-and-a-half-year vocational education and training programme in co-operation with the social partners and business practice experts. The technological development affects also the name of the profession: the mechanic for two-wheeled vehicles now is the mechatronics engineer for two-wheeled vehicles.

As regards content, the modernised training regulations take into account the increased amount of electric and electronic work required for two-wheeled vehicles. These days, high voltage technology is used also in two-wheeled vehicles.

Moreover, mechatronics and IT systems that are linked in complex ways need servicing. This requires new repair and diagnostic methods. Another field that is reflected in the new regulations is the further development of lightweight materials, for example, carbon for frame construction. As was the case with the preceding occupation, which was last modernised in 2008, the vocational education and training provision continues to be delivered in the two specialist fields of bicycle and motorcycle technology.

The mechatronics engineer for two-wheeled vehicles is an occupation with a future.

The number of newly concluded apprenticeship contracts, when compared to the previous year, increased by almost 10 per cent in 2013 from approximately 650 back to over 700. The number of apprentices has remained near-constant for several years at about 2,000. The share of young men amongst the apprentices is about 90 per cent. The chances of being offered a permanent contract as a skilled employee after the apprenticeship are good.

Subsequent to their apprenticeship, the young adults can choose from a broad range of continuing education options: for example, to train as a master mechanic for two-wheeled vehicles, as a certified service technician for two-wheeled vehicles and as a government-certified technician.