Further and continuing education — what do you build on?

One of the best things about a vocational education is that it doesn't close doors — it opens them. With a journeyman certificate in hand, you have not only a trade but also access to a wide range of further and higher education. You can choose to become even sharper in your craft, move toward technical work, or point in a completely new direction.

The fastest way to get more is short, targeted courses, often in the AMU system. Here you can e.g. deepen your knowledge in new production methods, 3D scanning, quality control, material handling or specific welding and machining techniques. It is flexible, it is practical, and it can often be taken while you work.

• 01Short AMU courses in new methods and technologies
• 02Specialized welding and machining certifications
• 03Courses in quality, measurement technology and documentation
• 04Update in occupational health and safety

If you want to go further up the technical ladder, a skilled background can provide access to higher educations. Professional academy technical educations — e.g. in production, technology or process — are an obvious next step for you who want to combine your craft with more theory and a broader responsibility.

With experience opportunities grow for taking responsibility for others. Many skilled workers move over time towards roles such as team leader production coordinator or occupational health manager. Here you draw on your practical understanding of the process but supplement with courses in management planning and communication.

Your technical understanding is also valuable outside production itself. Some move toward technical sales purchasing or customer consulting where knowing the product from the bottom up is a huge advantage. Others use the skilled background as a springboard to train the next generation as a trade teacher.

The point is simple: the trade is a strong start, not an end station. What you build on top depends on what excites you — the craft, the technique, the people or the business.