Experience report on training as a mechanical engineering technician CHE (since 25.10.22 mechanical engineering technician CHE): Alessandro Mattarel provides first-hand information on the mechanical engineering degree program as Head of Division.
Tell us about your background.
My name is Alessandro Mattarel. I am a qualified mechanical draughtsman and have completed continuing, further training as a mechanical engineering technician CHE (since 25.10.22) and technical businessman. I worked in project management, purchasing and as a sales representative in technical sales. Today, I am responsible for mechanical engineering, metal construction and systems engineering. I have been able to use my technical background here for a good 3 years and guide the students and specialist lecturers through the mechanical engineering courses. The wide range of tasks in which I can work gives me great pleasure. That's why every day is exciting and challenging for me. I enjoy the inspiring collaboration and the support of many dedicated colleagues. It also gives me great pleasure to be able to support the dedicated students in their continuing education, further training, e.g. as a mechanical engineering technician CHE (now mechanical engineering technician CHE), development and exciting path into the future.
What are the goals of the IBZ schools?
The Swiss School of Engineering and Management IBZ has over 75 years of experience in technical education. As a federally recognized College of Higher Education, we offer a wide range of practice-oriented and qualified courses of study. IBZ is part of ispo Bildung - one of the most important and experienced providers of private education in Northwestern Switzerland. This enables us to offer prospective students a comprehensive range of courses in selected areas of knowledge and skills at all levels of education. This also applies to the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course.
Which mechanical engineering courses can be attended at the IBZ training institute?
In the field of mechanical engineering, the IBZ offers the courses Dipl. Techniker CHE Maschinenbau and Technikerin CHE Maschinenbau as well as Dipl. Techniker/in CHE Maschinenbau with a specialization in plastics technology. In addition, further courses such as Technician CHE Systems Engineering or Metal Construction Workshop and Assembly Manager are offered as mechanical engineering training.
What requirements must be met for the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course?
The CHE degree course in mechanical engineering is aimed at people who work in the mechanical engineering industry (MEM sector) and would like to develop their career. Anyone with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma for short) and professional experience in the mechanical, electrical and metal industries is eligible for the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course. German language skills (at least B2 level), everyday knowledge of Office programs and very good mathematical skills are also required. For the latter, attendance of a preliminary mathematics course is recommended.
What prospects do qualified CHE mechanical engineering technicians have?
As a qualified CHE mechanical engineering technician, you can use your specialist knowledge and business skills to develop profitable mechanical engineering and plastics products between technology and management. With the leadership qualities they have acquired, CHE mechanical engineering technicians are ideally equipped to take on a management role. In the job market, mechanical engineering technicians are sought-after specialists who have the necessary specialist knowledge, practical experience and entrepreneurial thinking and action. CHE mechanical engineering technicians develop components, machines, systems or even entire production lines. They work closely with engineers, technical staff, customers, research, production, marketing and sales. During planning and development, they take into account customer requirements, future use and manufacturing possibilities. In plastics technology, the focus is on the development of new plastic materials and plastic processing machines. This can be followed by additional continuing education, further training at postgraduate level at IBZ in machine technology or advanced CAS or MAS courses at Kalaidos.
What do students learn on the CHE mechanical engineering degree program?
In the mechanical engineering technician course, we teach specialist, methodical and social skills. The course content includes technical fundamentals, mechanical engineering knowledge, design skills and knowledge of control and automation. This technical knowledge is rounded off with business administration and management basics, leadership skills and communication skills. In the CHE mechanical engineering technician specializing in plastics technology, we focus on knowledge of plastics, their properties, processes, design and production in addition to the technical basics. Here too, the knowledge is supplemented with skills in leadership, business administration and management. Our students on both courses apply the specialist knowledge they have acquired in a dissertation, thereby demonstrating their skills.
How much does the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course cost?
The CHE course at IBZ costs CHF 3,348 per semester, including all teaching materials. This amount does not include the cantonal subsidies in the form of education grants. The entire CHE course lasts 6 semesters. An additional CHF 250 is due for the enrollment fee for the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course. A one-off lump sum of CHF 1,200 is charged for the diploma thesis.
What makes the training locations particularly interesting for CHE mechanical engineering technician students?
We offer the Mechanical Engineering Technician courses in Aarau, Bern, Zug, Sargans and Winterthur. This means that the catchment area of those interested in our CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician courses extends across the cantons of Aargau, Appenzell, Basel, Bern, Glarus, Graubünden, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Thurgau, Zug and Zurich. Our training locations are modern and we attach great importance to premises that are designed for practice-oriented teaching. At all locations, we maintain close contact with the local machine industry.
How are the transport connections to your school?
All locations are very well connected to the public transport network. Access by car is also possible. There are various parking spaces available in the immediate vicinity of our school locations.
Why should prospective students choose IBZ Maschinenbau?
At the IBZ Mechanical Engineering, you can continue to work 100% alongside your CHE degree in Mechanical Engineering, as lessons take place on a weekday evening and on Saturday. This allows you to apply what you have learned to your professional activities on an ongoing basis. The IBZ has many years of experience in the field of mechanical engineering and the lecturers come from industry and business. This ensures a practice-oriented training model for the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician.
What are the advantages of graduates attending the CHE Mechanical Engineering Technician course at the IBZ School?
The class sizes are within a range in which group work can be carried out successfully and profitably. However, with our class sizes we also place a high value on the individual support and encouragement of our students. Our mechanical engineering courses are also geared towards practical needs thanks to our qualified and experienced lecturers from the mechanical engineering industry. Above-average success rates for CHE mechanical engineering technicians show us that we are on the right track with this training concept.
