FAQs

Retraining is your springboard into a new career field. It prepares you specifically for a new profession – often in a shorter period than a traditional apprenticeship. Many people who retrain already bring work experience from other areas. Retraining is carried out in close cooperation with the Employment Agency, which actively supports and funds your path. The goal: opening new perspectives and equipping you with the skills you need for a fresh start in a different field.

At BENTELER you can complete a retraining course in the technical field. This includes programs for Machine and Plant Operator, Process Technologist, and Industrial Mechanic. These paths open up exciting opportunities in a future-proof profession.

It depends on the program. Retraining as a Machine and Plant Operator  takes about 16 months, while the programs for Process Technologist (m/f/x) and Industrial Mechanic (m/f/x) take roughly 27 months. This allows you to prepare for your new career in a relatively short amount of time.

If you’re interested in technology and can imagine working in a metal-processing company, retraining at BENTELER might be the perfect match for you. Highly motivated career changers have excellent prospects here. Funding is provided through a training voucher (“Bildungsgutschein”) from the Employment Agency. The best next step is to talk directly with your advisor at the agency to see what options you have.

At BENTELER, retraining takes place full-time. This allows you to fully concentrate on your new start and gain the required knowledge as efficiently as possible.

During retraining, you continue to receive unemployment benefits or “Bürgergeld” – depending on which benefit you’re currently receiving and whether you still meet the eligibility criteria This ensures financial stability throughout your qualification phase.

It's easy – simply apply via our jobboard. There you’ll find all current retraining opportunities and can submit your application directly online.
Alternatively, you can submit your written application to BENTELER Steel/Tube GmbH & Co. KG, Residenzstraße 1, 33104 Paderborn, Germany.

You usually need a cover letter, your résumé, and – if available – relevant certificates or supporting documents. These help us understand your previous experience and motivation.

Acceptable file formats: DOCX, PDF, image, and text (MSG, PPT, and XLS file formats are not acceptable for resumes or cover letters)

Applications for retraining programs at BENTELER are accepted continuously and are not tied to fixed deadlines. Applying early is recommended to secure a spot in the next intake.

The process begins with your online application. After that, you’ll be invited to an on-site assessment test that checks basic skills and competencies. If you pass the test, you’ll be invited for an in-person interview. There you’ll learn more about the retraining program – and we’ll get to know you and your motivation.

Each week, you’ll spend two days in job-related instruction directly at BENTELER. On the other three days, you’ll be active in the workshop and build your practical skills. You’ll also complete hands-on assignments in different departments to get a full understanding of workflows and processes. This gives you a strong foundation for your new profession from day one.

The practical phases take place at BENTELER locations in Paderborn – including Schloß Neuhaus, Talle, and the am Bahnhof plant. This gives you insight into different production areas and helps you understand the full scope of your future working environment.

During retraining, you can take part in specialized courses that will prepare you for your new profession. These include electrical engineering for metal trades, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and welding. You can also obtain crane and forklift licenses. An IT course and topics relating to digitalization and Industry 4.0 round out the program – and new modules are added regularly.

Yes! At the end of the program, you take the final exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). After passing, you’ll receive your recognized skilled worker certificate – giving you excellent prospects for long-term employment and career development.

Throughout your practical training, you’ll be supported by experienced technical trainers. In each department, additional training supervisors will guide you, answer questions, and provide hands-on support. You’ll always have someone to rely on during your journey.

The goal of retraining is to qualify you as a skilled worker with a nationally recognized certificate. This gives you excellent prospects in the job market – especially in technical and industrial fields where qualified specialists are in high demand.

Yes. At BENTELER, we hire the majority of our retraining graduates. The current retention rate is around 85–90% – a strong indicator of how much we value long-term development of our team.

After successfully completing your retraining, you can pursue a wide range of further qualifications – such as advanced specialist certifications or becoming a master craftsperson or technician (m/f/x). Many former retraining graduates have taken advantage of these opportunities and now hold responsible or even leadership positions at BENTELER.

After retraining, your salary is based on the IG Metall collective agreement. That means fair, transparent pay and clear development opportunities for your continued career.

One major advantage is the close link between theory and practice. You learn in our training and development center and then work directly in the plants, gaining hands-on experience with modern equipment. Both workshop instruction and IHK exams take place within the company – everything is centrally organized and perfectly aligned. Working with state-of-the-art machines prepares you exceptionally well for daily operations. And best of all: after successfully completing your retraining, your chances of being hired at BENTELER are very high.