The duration of the industrial master craftsman course varies depending on the school, but is usually between three and four semesters. As the teaching models vary, please contact the individual schools directly via the contact form for the current dates.

For industrial foremen and women with a federal diploma (new: production manager industry), a wide variety of courses and training programs at schools and further education institutions are suitable, such as the "European Industrial Engineer (EIE)" certificate from SwissMTM and the Swissmen Academy, as well as further training at higher technical colleges in mechanical engineering technician (formerly technician HF mechanical engineering), metal construction technician (formerly technician HF metal construction) or process technician (formerly technician HF business processes). Depending on previous education, courses at universities of applied sciences may also be suitable, for example in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or systems engineering, as well as postgraduate courses at universities in the form of CAS, DAS or MAS continuing education courses.

Industrial production managers (formerly industrial foremen) are responsible for planning and organization, among other things. They organize personnel assignments and teams and ensure smooth shift operations. They also take care of the further development of their employees. They are also responsible for planning and optimizing the use of machines, equipment, materials and energy.

The tasks of industrial production managers (formerly industrial foremen) also include production, quality assurance and strategy. This means, for example, that they define production processes and layouts and manage production, taking into account all the necessary means and resources.

They are also responsible for planning and monitoring project processes. They are also responsible for managing the flow of goods and the procurement process (supply chain management). They also analyze the relevant key figures and take optimization measures. In this way, they ensure the business and financial management of their area of responsibility.

The following points apply for admission to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (new: Production Manager Industry):

• Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training or equivalent qualification and at least four years of relevant professional experience after graduation, including two years in a management position

or

• Federal VET Certificate or equivalent qualification and at least 6 years of relevant professional experience after graduation, including two years in a management position

or

• Degree at continuing education and training / tertiary level and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in a management function

and

• Foreign language skills

The advanced technical examination for industrial foreman with a federal diploma (new: production manager industry) consists of a total of five examination parts. The most extensive part of the examination is probably the diploma thesis (three parts), which is also weighted twice in addition to the "case study". The "practical situations" part of the examination is examined orally and is weighted once.