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Mechatronics technician

Mechatronics technicians combine mechanics, electronics and software. They build, program and maintain machines such as robots, lifts or whole production lines, and find out why something is not working.

Typical tasks

  • assembling machines and systems from mechanical and electrical parts
  • connecting and adjusting sensors and drives
  • programming and testing control systems
  • servicing systems regularly so they do not break down
  • narrowing down and fixing faults step by step

Where people work

Mechatronics technicians mainly work in industrial and manufacturing companies, in machine and plant engineering, and for service companies that look after systems at customers' sites.

A good fit if

  • you are interested in how machines work together
  • you like tinkering and keep looking for faults until you find the cause
  • you are good with your hands and also enjoy programming
  • you learn new things quickly, because the technology keeps developing

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria there are three typical paths: a Lehre (apprenticeship) in mechatronics, an HTL (higher technical college) specialising in mechatronics or automation, or, after the Matura (school-leaving exam), a degree at an FH (university of applied sciences). With an apprenticeship you can also add the Matura later. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Technik or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufsmaturität Technik or a Fachhochschule.

Lehre
Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • HTL Pinkafeld
    HTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, Burgenland
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mössingerstraße
    HTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, Kärnten
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Mödling
    HTL, 2340 Mödling, Niederösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Leonding
    HTL, 4060 Leonding, Oberösterreich
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Salzburg
    HTL, 5020 Salzburg, Salzburg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL BULME Graz-Gösting
    HTL, 8051 Graz, Steiermark
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Anichstraße
    HTL, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
  • HTL Dornbirn
    HTL, 6850 Dornbirn, Vorarlberg
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference from electronics?

Electronics technicians mainly deal with electricity and electrical systems. Mechatronics technicians also work with mechanics and software and look after whole machines.

Apprenticeship or HTL?

In an apprenticeship you work in a company from the start and receive an apprentice's allowance. The HTL is school-based and ends with the Matura. Both paths lead into the job.

Do I need to know how to program?

No, you learn that during your training. An interest in logic and technology helps a lot, though.

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