Process Mechanic for Plastics & Rubber Technology Apprenticeship at JBZ Jena

Technical Apprenticeship in Plastics Processing

Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber Technology: Processing Plastics, Controlling Processes

Process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology ensure that high-quality plastic and rubber products are created from raw materials. They work with modern machinery and systems and oversee the entire production process – from material preparation and shaping to quality control. Their technical expertise is in demand wherever plastics are processed industrially.

During the apprenticeship, you will learn to process plastics and rubbers professionally, set up machines, and monitor production processes. You will adjust process parameters, check components for dimensional accuracy and quality, and intervene specifically in case of malfunctions. This is a profession for anyone with a technical interest who enjoys practical work and wants to understand how functional products are created from materials.

Typical Activities of a Process Mechanic for Plastics and Rubber Technology

As a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology, technical understanding, meticulous work, and safe handling of machinery are crucial. The apprenticeship provides comprehensive insight into typical activities – from material preparation and machine setup to monitoring and optimizing production processes. This way, you will learn step by step how dimensionally accurate and functional plastic products are created from raw materials.

Manual Material Processing

Processing and finishing plastic parts with hand tools.

Setting up the Injection Molding Machine

Setting up the machine and preparing new tools.

Feeding Raw Material

Providing, dosing, and feeding plastics to the machine.

General information about the training

Here you will find the key facts about the industrial mechanic apprenticeship clearly summarised. This includes the duration of the apprenticeship, the vocational school location, practical training and the recognised qualification awarded by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Training duration

3 years

Vocational school

State Vocational School Sonneberg

Practical training

At the training company, Bildungszentrum Saalfeld GmbH and Jenaer Bildungszentrum (JBZ)

Qualification

Examination before the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

Further information

Training content

Selecting materials according to application-specific criteria
Processing and manufacturing methods for polymer materials, such as injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming
Manufacturing molded parts, semi-finished products, and components from metals and polymer materials
Manufacturing simple assemblies
Establishing and securing production requirements for plastics processing
Analyzing and testing the properties of plastics
Building, testing, and monitoring control systems
Maintaining operating equipment
Maintaining tools, machines, and auxiliary devices
Monitoring and optimizing product and process quality

Entry requirements

Secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss)
Good knowledge of natural sciences
Teamwork skills
Technical understanding and spatial imagination
Manual dexterity

Career opportunities

primarily in the plastics and rubber processing industry
in the chemical industry
in the production of plastic semi-finished products, from component manufacturing to quality control

"Process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology shape diverse raw materials into components that make modern industry possible."

- Mario Griebel, Head of Training at the Jenaer Bildungszentrum

Career prospects after training

After completing your apprenticeship as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology, a wide range of career opportunities will be open to you. Skilled workers are needed wherever plastics are processed industrially – from series production to specialized manufacturing. Depending on your interests and qualifications, you can further develop your expertise, specialize, or take on additional responsibilities.

Industry & production companies

Machine & Plant Operation

Further training & specialization

5 questions to check your career fit

Answer these questions for yourself. If you answer “Yes” to several points, the apprenticeship as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology might be exactly right for you – and a truly exciting entry into a high-tech world.

Are you interested in materials that are ubiquitous in everyday life?

From medical technology and car parts to packaging – plastics and rubber are indispensable. Would it appeal to you to work with such versatile materials?

Do you enjoy controlling and optimizing production processes?

Plastics and rubber technologists operate and monitor machines that produce precise products from raw materials. Do you embrace the responsibility for quality and processes?

Are you looking for a profession with many specialization opportunities?

You can focus on injection molding, extrusion, rubber processing, or thermoforming. Would you enjoy this variety?

Are you motivated by the prospect of contributing to innovations?

Plastics are crucial for future industries such as electromobility, medical technology, or renewable energies. Would it make you proud to be part of such developments?

Do you enjoy combining practical work with technology?

You work directly with machines, control processes, and hold the finished product in your hand. Would you enjoy this tangible result?

Mario Griebel

Your contact person for apprenticeships

Are you interested in the apprenticeships at the Jenaer Bildungszentrum? I would be happy to advise you and support you in your next step.