In Rhineland-Palatinate, the largest wine-growing region in Germany, aspiring winemakers learn their trade from the ground up in recognized enterprises. But who is best suited to this job? And what opportunities does it offer for the future? 

Career prospects for winemakers 

Nature and duration: Winemakers undergo a three-year cooperative education and training program where their time is split between a business and a vocational school.  

Academic requirements: Businesses normally expect aspiring winemakers to possess the vocational proficiency certificate known as the “Berufsreife” (lower secondary school diploma) as a minimum. 

What is expected from apprentices: a keen sense of taste and smell, a talent for craftsmanship, a passion for technique and nature, and the willingness to work outdoors in the wind and rain.  

The training: Aspiring winemakers will learn to plan and realize operational procedures, care for the soil in a sustainable fashion, grow vines professionally, and harvest and process grapes. Over the course of their training, they will produce wine and potentially sparkling wine, market their products, and communicate with customers.  

A wide range of advanced training programs are available to winemakers:  

• Master winemaker: plays a managerial role in viniculture, oenology, and marketing.  

• State-certified agricultural manager: deepens knowledge of business management and improves management skills in agricultural businesses.   

• State-certified technician: manages wine production and marketing processes, specializes in viniculture and oenology.  

• Agricultural secretary: organizes office and administrative tasks, runs accounts, and supports the management. 

• Certified nature and landscape conservationist: develops and implements measures designed to protect and care for natural and cultural landscapes. 

• “Viniculture and oenology” course at a university or university of applied sciences 

More information: The Service Center Rural Area has a website with extensive information about the winemaker occupation and development opportunities. The website of the Chamber of Agriculture Rhineland-Palatinate is another useful source of detailed information. 

As the old adage says: “Wine is bottled poetry.” Oenologists at the Wine Campus Neustadt are the poets of the winemaking world. They combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge science to create unique wines: During their study program, the students also work as apprentice winemakers. What are the important things to know?  

Combination of studies in oenology and training as a winemaker: facts and prospects 

Nature and duration: The cooperative vocational education and training program in viniculture and oenology at the Wine Campus Neustadt is a four-year program. It combines academic studies with practical training in viniculture. At the end, graduates receive both a Bachelor of Science and a “Gesellenbrief,” a certificate entitling them to call themselves a winemaker. 

Academic requirements: Applicants must have the general university entrance qualification (“allgemeine Hochschulreife”), the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (“Fachhochschulreife”), or a professional qualification with a corresponding qualifying examination. A winemaker training contract with a recognized firm that provides apprenticeship training is also required. 

What is expected from students: a keen interest in viniculture, natural science, and technique. Bonus points: analytical mindset, an understanding of business, and a passion for the wine industry. 

The training: Students will learn the basics of viniculture, winemaking, and oenology. They will obtain knowledge of business management and marketing, and apply their knowledge directly in a business that provides apprenticeship training. 

Wide range of advanced training programs and career paths: 

• Winery management: With the bachelor’s degree, graduates can run their own business or take on leading roles in wineries and wine cellars. 

• Wine marketing and sales: With a specialization in business management, they can work in the international wine trade, marketing, or sales. 

• Viniculture consulting and research: With advanced technical knowledge of oenology and technology, they can work in research or as consultants in the wine industry. 

• Master’s degree program: An advanced course of study, such as in the wine industry or international oenology, unlocks additional specializations. 

More information: visit the Wine Campus Neustadt website to find out more about the course of study.

Gem cutters use precise craftsmanship to make rough stones sparkle. This profession has a long history in Rhineland-Palatinate: The first lapidary workshop in Idar-Oberstein was recorded in 1531, and to this day the tradition lives on through cutting-edge technology and artisan skill. What skills should young people have in order to learn this occupation, and what prospects does this traditional craft have to offer? 

Career prospects as a gem cutter 

Nature and duration: The training program to become a gem cutter lasts three years and is conducted as a cooperative education and training program split between the workshop and a vocational school.  

Academic requirements: The vocational proficiency certificate known as the “Berufsreife” (lower secondary school diploma) is usually sufficient as an access requirement.  

What is expected from apprentices: A talent for craftsmanship, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a precise way of working are important. Patience, concentration, and an eye for aesthetics are also relevant. 

The training: Trainees learn how to cut and finish gems to customer or technical specifications. They cut and shape the stones before using a variety of methods to grind and polish them. They will use traditional tools as well as computer-controlled machines. 

Advanced training: master gem cutter or master gem engraver 

Upon the successful completion of their training, gem cutters can undergo advanced training to become a master gem cutter or master gem engraver. Master gem cutters and master gem engravers organize work processes, instruct employees, and advise customers. They generate quotations, negotiate with suppliers, carry out repairs, and handle commercial tasks. 

More information: The website of Germany’s Federal Employment Agency offers additional interesting insights into what it is like to work as a gem cutter.

Digitalization is rapidly changing the world of work, and Rhineland-Palatinate is no exception. Businesses are desperately looking for specialists to help actively structure this transformation. Digitalization management administrators are the bridge between IT and commercial areas. They optimize processes and implement digital solutions to keep businesses competitive. What should young people bring to the table for this future-proof vocational role? 

Career prospects as a digitalization management administrator 

Nature and duration: The training program lasts three years and is conducted as a cooperative education and training program split between the enterprise and the vocational school. 

Academic requirements: The university entrance qualification (“Hochschulreife”) or university of applied sciences entrance qualification (“Fachhochschulreife”) is normally expected, although applicants with a good secondary school diploma (“Realschulabschluss”) and relevant prior knowledge will also be considered. 

What is expected from apprentices: an interest in IT and commercial correlations, an analytical mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to familiarize themselves quickly with new subject areas. 

The training: Trainees learn to plan and implement digital projects, analyze data, develop and apply IT security strategies, and manage the digital infrastructure of a company. They will work closely with a variety of departments and be responsible for optimizing business processes. 

Wide range of advanced training programs and career paths: 

Advanced training as a specialized digitalization management expert: deepens knowledge of digitalization and prepares the candidate for managerial responsibilities. 

Course of study in information systems or business administration: facilitates an academic career and taking charge of complex projects. 

Specialization in certain fields, such as data analysis, IT security, or project management. 

Independent contractor: With the right expertise, digitalization management administrators can work as freelance contractors and advise businesses on their digital transformations. 

More information:  

Comprehensive information about training and career opportunities in the field of digitalization management is available from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Palatinate and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Rhine-Hesse. 

Many sectors are in urgent need of specialists, especially skilled crafts and trades. Plant mechanics for sanitary and HVAC systems install modern heating systems, water pipes, air-conditioning systems, and heat pumps, and in doing so make an important contribution to the energy transition. This occupation has outstanding future prospects and development opportunities. But who is it suitable for? 

Career prospects for plant mechanics (sanitary and HVAC) 

Nature and duration: The training program to become a sanitary or HVAC plant mechanic lasts 3.5 years and is conducted as a cooperative education and training program split between the enterprise and the vocational school. 

Academic requirements: No specific school diploma is required, yet the vocational proficiency certificate known as the “Berufsreife” (lower secondary school diploma) is expected in most cases.  

What is expected from apprentices: technical understanding, a talent for craftsmanship, and a careful way of working. Bonus points: physical resilience. 

The training: Apprentices learn to plan, install, and maintain sanitary and HVAC systems. They work with modern technology, utilize control systems, and assess the energy efficiency of systems. 

A wide range of advanced training programs are available to sanitary and HVAC plant mechanics:  

• Master of trade exam in sanitary and HVAC systems: Masters of trade run their own enterprises and train junior employees. Preparatory courses for the master of trade examination are available from the Chambers of Skilled Crafts and Trades and elsewhere. 

• HVAC technician: Technicians plan and optimize systems for buildings and industry.  

• Professional qualification in business administration for the crafts and trades sector: This advanced training program teaches business administration skills for managerial roles.  

• Specialized planner for energy and building services: Specialized planners develop sustainable, efficient solutions for building services.  

• Course of study in building services engineering: With a university entrance qualification, graduates can study building services engineering or related subjects and take on managerial roles. 

More information: The Germany-wide training initiative Zeit Zu Starten provides information about the everyday work done by people in technical sanitary/HVAC jobs.

Something for early birds: Trainees who wish to become bakery sales specialists often have to start their day before the sun comes up. They advise customers, display baked goods for sale, and make sure everything is fresh and delicious. Junior employees are in demand and have good prospects to take over a business or set up their own new one. What skills are required? 

Career prospects as a bakery sales specialist 

Nature and duration: The training program to become a food sales specialist for baked goods lasts three years and is carried out as a cooperative education and training program split between the enterprise and the vocational school. 

Academic requirements: There is no legal requirement to have any specific school certificate. In practice, most businesses employ trainees with at least the vocational proficiency certificate known as the “Berufsreife” (lower secondary school diploma).  

What is expected from apprentices: A drive to provide good service and enjoy dealing with people are important, as are dexterity, diligence, and a sense of responsibility. Strong skills in mathematics and German are also advantageous.  

The training: Trainees learn to sell bread and baked goods, advise customers, and provide information about ingredients. They display and package baked goods, set up displays, and make sure that the shop floor is clean and tidy. They also slice bread and cakes, fill and garnish rolls, and prepare snacks or small meals. 

A wide range of advanced training programs are available to food sales specialists who specialize in baked goods: 

• Food sales manager: responsible for sales strategies, the presentation of goods, and staff management. The advanced training is equivalent to the master of trade examination for bakers and also makes it possible to study at university without the standard entrance qualification. 

• Professional qualification in business administration for the crafts and trades sector: acquires business management expertise in order to assume managerial responsibilities in the field of baking. 

• Trainer in the food trade: trains future specialists and supervises them during their training. 

More information: The website of Germany’s Federal Employment Agency contains important details about the training program.

People with green thumbs wanted: The need for specialists concerns all seven fields, from horticulture and landscaping to fruit growing or ornamental horticulture. Gardeners lay out and maintain green spaces, cultivate plants, woods, and shrubs, or grow quality food like fresh fruit and vegetables. In doing so, they play an important role in protecting the environment. What is required of potential candidates in order to succeed in this profession? 

Career prospects as a gardener 

Nature and duration: The training program to become a gardener lasts three years and is conducted as a cooperative education and training program split between the enterprise and the vocational school. There are seven fields of activity across Germany: horticulture and landscaping, ornamental horticulture, arboriculture, perennial nursery, fruit growing, cemetery gardening, and vegetable growing.  

Academic requirements: Businesses prefer applicants with at least the vocational proficiency certificate known as the “Berufsreife” (lower secondary school diploma).  

What is expected from apprentices: Trainees must have an affinity with nature, enjoy working with plants, and have a talent for working with their hands. Technical understanding, physical fitness, and the ability to work in a team are also advantageous.   

The training: Trainees learn to propagate and cultivate plants and to set up irrigation and fertilization systems. They operate and maintain machines and equipment and advise customers. The specific tasks vary depending on the chosen discipline.  

A wide range of advanced training programs are available to gardeners: 

• Master of trade examination in horticulture: This qualification enables a person to run their own business and instruct trainees. 

• State-certified horticultural manager: expands knowledge of the economic processes in horticultural enterprises. 

• Professional qualification in business administration: combines technical know-how with business administration expertise and lays the groundwork for managerial responsibilities. 

• Course of study in horticulture or landscaping: With the right university entrance qualification, a course of study can be pursued in order to open up new career paths. 

More information: the website of the Chamber of Agriculture and DLRen