Dairy technologist at the Research Dairy

Vocational training as dairy technologist

During their training as dairy technologists at the Hohenheim Dairy for Research and Training, a division of the University of Hohenheim, trainees have the opportunity to become familiar with a wide variety of dairy processing techniques. Industrial operations, by contrast, often specialize in a limited range of products. The Vocational Training Officer teaches the trainees to independently plan, perform, and monitor their work.

Training contents are defined in the general training plan.

Requirements

Qualified lower secondary degree (Hauptschulabschluss), Middle School Leaving Certificate (Mittlere Reife), Abitur, or Qualification to Enter Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulreife)

Training duration

3 years (may be reduced to 2 years for trainees with special achievements)

Start of apprenticeship

1 September 2028

Application period

January until April 2028

Training curriculum

The training program to become a dairy technologist is organized as part of Germanys dual system of vocational training. Trainees receive theoretical and practical classroom instruction at the dairy school in Wangen/Allgäu (Oskar Farny Institute). Classes are held in blocks.

In the remaining time, practical and theoretical skills are learned at the workplace.

During their training, trainees are required to complete 2x4 weeks of internship at an industrial dairy. The Vocational Training Officer assists trainees with finding an internship position.

Training contents

• Processing raw milk into products such as consumer milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, and other dairy products,
• Working with modern technical equipment,
• Performing quality checks,
• Managing and supervising biochemical processes (enzymes),
• Managing microbiological processes (metabolism of starter cultures),
• Creating recipes,
• Organizing work procedures.

In-house theoretical training

During their training, trainees attend in-house seminars to supplement their vocational school education and to enhance their hands-on learning.

Examinations

• In the second year of training, trainees take an intermediate examination in the core subject Vocational Theory (written and practical).
• The written and practical final examination takes place at the end of the training program.
• The examinations have to be taken at the Wangen Dairy School.
• What happens after completing the training program?
• The University cannot hire trainees after they complete their training. However, trainees have a wide range of career opportunities, for instance at cheese dairies, dairy farms, beverage companies, candy manufacturers, baby food producers, or ice cream makers.

Training allowances

• As of 1 April 2026 trainees are paid :
• € 1,296.82 in the first year of training
• € 1,350.96 in the second year of training
• € 1,400.61 in the third year of training
• On 1 March 2027, the amounts will increase by a fixed sum of EUR 60, and on 1 January 2028 by a further fixed sum of EUR 30.

Application and selection procedure

Applications must be submitted during the application period (end of January to end of April before the intended start of training).

Documents

Cover letter

Résumé

Copies of the last two school reports (mid-year and full-year reports),

evidence of work experience or internships, if applicable

• Ways to apply
• O nline

Personal interview

Selected applicants will be invited for a personal interview.

Returning of application documents

After completion of the selection process, all application documents are destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations.

Contact

Dipl.-LM-Ing. Nabil Chaib

+49 711 459 22738

E-Mail

University of Hohenheim

Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology

• Department of Dairy Science and Dairy Technology (150e)
• Garbenstraße 21
• 70599 Stuttgart