Physics laboratory assistant

Laser experiment

Physics laboratory is a recognized in Germany, Austria and Switzerland apprenticeship . Physics laboratory assistants work in close cooperation with natural scientists and engineers, typically in a physics laboratory , where research, testing, construction and measurement are carried out. The training and employment takes place both in public institutions such as universities and institutes as well as in industrial companies, in which physics laboratory technicians are mainly used for design and production testing, but often also in research.

education

Content

The physics laboratory technician can aptly be described as a generalist profession. His practical and theoretical training is extensive and diversified.

The basic training in material processing with metals and plastics includes z. B. turning, milling, soldering, gluing, etc. Additional knowledge for the use of glass and ceramics is part of this. Physical content comprises most of the basic training. In addition, there are training courses in electrical engineering and electronics , vacuum technology , IT , optics , technical mechanics, thermal engineering and photography (including image processing). Training in chemical work techniques contributes to occupational safety in physical-technical laboratories.

In addition to the manufacture, maintenance and upkeep of physical apparatus and measuring equipment, assistance in evaluating and logging physical measurements is part of everyday life. This also requires knowledge of data acquisition.

construction

The training takes place in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the dual training system and concludes with a (teaching) final examination. The theoretical basics of physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, electronics and mathematics are taught by vocational schools . Physical laboratory technology is trained in the companies.

The duration of the training is usually

• 3.5 years in Germany,
• 3.5 years in Austria and
• 4 years in Switzerland

For the final examination, specializations are chosen in the form of electives - depending on the training company. They typically comprise about: acoustics , photography, electronics, computer science, crystal growth , metallography , optics, control technology , vacuum technology, thermal engineering, etc.

The exact training and examination regulations for the respective countries can be found under sources or web links.

Employers / training companies

The training is offered by universities, university-related institutions and also in industry.

Advanced training

Germany

Similar to an up chemical laboratory for chemical engineers can continue their education, is the physics laboratory technicians of the way to the physics technician (rare: Physikotechniker) open. Many (distance) schools also offer further training to become a technician of any kind (e.g. electrical engineering or mechatronics). By studying at a university he can acquire the qualification of a graduate physicist or graduate engineer , meanwhile also the corresponding Bachelor degree.

Austria

In Austria, after the final apprenticeship exam, the vocational matura (vocational maturity examination) can be taken. This examination then enables access to further higher qualifications at universities.

Switzerland

In Switzerland there is no direct further training for physics laboratory technicians, but the profession is considered to be a technical basic vocational training, which opens up the following possibilities:

• Higher technical school (qualified technician HF) z. B.
  • Electrical engineering
  • electronics
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer science

• University of Applied Sciences (Bachelor FH)
  • electronics
  • Automation
  • Microtechnology
  • System technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer science
  • chemistry

Occupational fields

The occupational fields are diverse, because physics laboratory technicians can be found in testing, measuring and research laboratories as well as in technical trade, manufacturing and consulting. The broad training of physics laboratory assistants is good access to further training at technical schools as well as at universities and technical colleges.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ physiklaborant.ch: Der Physiklaborantin, die Physiklaborantin ( Memento of the original from August 22, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 

Web links

Germany:

• Text of the ordinance on vocational training for physics laboratory technicians (Germany)
• Introduction video physics laboratory technician
• Physics laboratory in Berufenet the Federal Employment Agency

Austria:

• Professional and industry information from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce
• Training and further education information from the Institute for Economic Research: BerufsInformationsComputer (BIC)
• Amount of the collectively agreed apprenticeship remuneration for physics laboratory assistants
• Training ordinance of the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs (PDF file; 32 kB) 1973/2005.

Switzerland:

• Physics laboratory assistant on Berufsberatung.ch
• physiklaborant.ch: The physics laboratory assistant
• berufskunde.com: Physics laboratory assistant EFZ - basic education
• Swiss training regulations for physics laboratory technicians according to the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET) from February 2003 (PDF; 112 kB)