Details
Secondary College for Mechanical Engineering -
Special Training Focus Aeronautical Engineering
(Federal Law Gazette No. II/382/1998; Federal Law Gazette No. 682/1992; Federal Law Gazette No. 492/1977)
Training level and duration of training
From school year 9, 5 years course (see also subject time table of the certificate).
Training objective
Colleges for mechanical engineering provide a sound general education and a knowledge of the theoretical and practical basics in the fields of mechanics, production engineering and design as well as in the main areas of mechanical engineering and systems, supplemented by a knowledge of electrical engineering, measurement technology, open-loop control and control engineering as well as operational procedures, with particular emphasis on quality management and project management. The practical training prepares students up to the level of managerial roles in the planning, production, start-up and maintenance of mechanical engineering and systems as well as the accompanying software.
The main area of training in aeronautical engineering also provides advanced specialised training in the fields of lightweight construction, aircraft construction, transmission engineering, navigation and air traffic, with the costing, design and test stand simulation of driving-gear and aircraft components.
Professional competencies
Colleges for mechanical engineering provide the fundamental practically applied skills and knowledge for the industry, in respect of the relevant materials, processes, product and systems development, quality management and product management as well as CAD applications.
The main area of training in aeronautical engineering also provides an advanced knowledge of the industry-specific principles for the construction, dimensioning, design and implementation in the fields aircraft construction types, materials for lightweight construction and composite materials, gas turbine, piston and jet engines, licensing, maintenance, operation, flight performance, radar and navigation technology.
At the colleges for mechanical engineering at least one foreign language as well as the principles of marketing, personnel management, negotiation procedures, the formation of contracts and finance are taught.
Access to careers
The training is on a high vocational level, which can be directly turned to account on the labour market and used for management-level careers. Graduates achieve a high level of vocational training, comparable with graduates of further education courses in other Member States of the European Union and can assume similar responsibilities and undertake corresponding tasks.
For self-employed persons, in addition to satisfying the general requirements for practising a trade, evidence of any specific practical and/or qualifying requirements must also be provided.
After satisfying the necessary requirements, graduates of the above college can, for example undertake busieness as accredited mechanical and production engineers as well as fitters, or take the examination for the master craftsman or qualifying certificate for coachbuilders, motor vehicle engineers, synthetics processors or for drawing offices. Graduates of the above colleges can also untertake business as accredited commercial agents or in commerce (position as at July 1998).
Access to the tertiary sector
The successful completion of training entitles students to take up study at a university, Hochschule, Akademie or a course of study at a Fachhochschule. The period of study may be reduced if an appropriate course at a Fachhochschule is taken.