Precision Optician Apprenticeship in Jena at JBZ

Technical Career with a Future

Precision Optics: Precision as a Professional Qualification

Optics surrounds us everywhere: in smartphones, microscopes, medical technology, or modern measurement systems. For these technologies to function reliably, optical components such as lenses, prisms, or mirrors must be manufactured with the highest precision. This is precisely where precision optics comes in – at the interface of light, technology, and innovation.

During your training as a precision optician, you will learn to precisely process glass, crystals, and plastics, specifically refine surfaces, and check quality using high-resolution measurement methods. You will work with modern machines and develop a strong understanding of accuracy and technical interrelationships. A profession for anyone who finds technology exciting and values careful, precise work.

Typical Activities in Precision Optics

In precision optics, every detail counts. Here you get an insight into typical activities you will learn during your training – from the precise processing of various materials to modern measurement methods and quality control. Step by step, you will understand how a raw part becomes an optical component that later functions reliably in high-tech applications.

Lapping

You polish optical surfaces to a high gloss with utmost accuracy.

Interferometry

You make deviations visible down to the micro and nanometer range.

Testing

You check all details and detect the smallest deviations.

General information about the training

Here are the key facts about the precision optician apprenticeship. These include the duration of the apprenticeship, the vocational school location, practical training, and the recognized qualification from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Training duration

3.5 years

Vocational school

State Vocational Training Center Jena-Göschwitz

Practical training

In the training company and at the Jena Training Center (JBZ)

Qualification

Examination before the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

Further information

Training content

Joining, separating, grinding, lapping, and polishing optical components
Manual and machine manufacturing of optical components
Measuring and testing
Basic metalworking skills
Assembling and testing electrical and pneumatic control systems
Basic knowledge of coating, fine cementing, and bonding
Creating, entering, and optimizing programs, as well as manufacturing workpieces on NC and CNC-controlled machine tools

Entry requirements

For the precision optician apprenticeship, you ideally have a secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss). Good foundations in mathematics, physics, and chemistry are particularly helpful. Crucially, you should also bring technical understanding and manual dexterity.

In precision optics, details matter – which is why these points are also important:

Accuracy and meticulousness
Endurance and concentration
Spatial vision
High quality awareness

Career opportunities

As a precision optician, you can work in many areas of the optical and precision mechanical industry. Typical fields of application include:

Manufacturing of optical components (e.g., spherical and flat optics) and quality control
Assembly of optical and mechanical components into modules
Coating and fine cementing/bonding of optical components
Areas such as laser, crystal, and fiber optics
Laboratory and research institutions

"Precision opticians use dexterity and precision to create components that make tomorrow's optical high-tech systems possible."

- Sven Pester, Precision Optics Instructor

Career prospects after training

After completing the precision optician apprenticeship, diverse career opportunities open up. Precision optical components are needed in numerous high-tech industries – accordingly broad are the fields of activity and development prospects. Depending on your interests, qualifications, and company, you can specialize professionally or take on additional responsibility.

Industry & High-Tech Companies

Research & development

Further training & specialization

5 questions to check your career fit

Answer these questions for yourself. If you internally say “Yes” to several points, the precision optics apprenticeship could be exactly right for you – and a really exciting entry into a high-tech world.

Are you interested in precision and technology?

Precision opticians work with highly accurate instruments and materials – from microscopes to laser technology. Carefulness and an eye for detail are crucial.

Are you fascinated by the combination of craftsmanship and high-tech?

You combine classic skills like grinding, polishing, or assembling with modern technology – for example, from laser optics, medical technology, or space travel.

Do you want to work in a field with a future?

Optical systems are indispensable in medicine, research, and communication – and will continue to become more important in the future.

Do you enjoy creating visible results?

In precision optics, you directly see what you create: a precise lens system or a component that will later be used in a high-tech device.

Are you looking for a profession with specialization and recognition?

Precision opticians are specialists in a highly sought-after field. With your precision, you will become a professional that companies rely on.

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.