Further and continuing education: what can you build on?
From skilled journeyman to specialist inspector or further education
When you have become skilled doors open. You can choose to become a sharp specialist in your trade you can take responsibility as an inspector or manager or you can build a whole new education on top. The common thread is that your professional background counts – you don't start from scratch.
§Courses and further training (AMU)
Labor Market Education (AMU) courses are short targeted courses that keep your skills sharp. Within surface finishing you can among other things build on your knowledge of corrosion protection new painting techniques and quality control. AMU fits well into working life because the courses are short and practice-oriented.
§Specialist and inspector paths
With experience you can specialise in quality control and inspection of corrosion protection. A well-known path is to train as a corrosion inspector e.g. via a FROSIO education that qualifies you to inspect and document surface treatment at a high level. These are responsible roles often followed by better pay.
§Higher education
If you want to go further in the education system, a vocational education can be the springboard. Many skilled workers take for example a short higher education as a production technologist that gives competencies in production, planning and technique. If you have supplemented with general subjects (e.g. via eux or individual subjects) even more paths can open.
§Weigh towards leadership and independence
Some choose on the long term to go the management route or start for themselves. Here it is a combination of professional experience, courses in management and operations plus a good network that counts. Having stood at the bench yourself gives you a credibility that is worth gold when you are to lead others.
The most important thing to remember is that learning doesn't end with the journeyman's certificate. The industry changes and the surface treatment workers who keep educating themselves are the ones who get the most exciting — and best paid — jobs.
“Your journeyman certificate is not the finish line. It's the start of your next opportunity.”