Chemical laboratory technician (Chemielaborant/in)
You analyse and make substances in a laboratory: a 3.5-year training, paid from the first year, alternating between the employer and vocational school.
What a chemical laboratory technician does
They test organic and inorganic substances, prepare mixtures, develop syntheses and analyse the results, which they record and evaluate on a computer.
Analyse
Test substances using chemical and physical methods, for example with a spectrometer.
Prepare
Make mixtures and preparations, separate and purify substances, optimise a synthesis.
Record
Note how each test went, evaluate measurements on a computer and follow safety rules.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy chemistry, physics and mathematics
- you watch closely for changes during an experiment
- you follow safety and environmental rules without exception
- you stay focused during long series of tests
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with chemicals, smells and fumes
- you have very sensitive skin or airways
- you are looking for an outdoor or very physical job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Chemical analysisSpectroscopyChromatographyMaking preparationsSeparating substancesHandling chemicalsData evaluationPersonal qualities
PrecisionPatienceSense of responsibilityObservationRigourHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
Laboratory basics
- Safety and hazardous substances
- Sampling and measuring methods
- Instruments and documentation
Preparations
- Making preparations
- Separating and purifying substances
- Final exam, part 1
Analysis
- Qualitative analysis and titration
- Spectroscopy and chromatography
- Evaluating measurements
Final exam
- Chosen options: 6 in total
- Independent laboratory work
- Final exam, part 2
Exams and qualification
The final exam (Abschlussprüfung) has 2 parts held at different times. Part 1 (35% of the mark) takes place before the end of the second year: 2 practical tasks on preparation and characterisation, then a written paper. Part 2 (65%) takes place at the end. You obtain the Abschlusszeugnis (final certificate) of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
You are paid during the training
Gross monthly pay during the training. These amounts are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid from the first year
- Precise, scientific work in a laboratory
- Jobs in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and environment
- Clear ways to progress: technician, studies
Difficulties
- Longer training: 3.5 years
- Hazardous products: strict safety rules
- Fumes and gases in laboratory air
- A solid grounding in science and German is needed
Where it can lead
Skilled lab technician
Jobs in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints, food, cosmetics, institutes or environmental agencies.
Technician or master
Train as a technician (Techniker) in chemistry, laboratory technology, or as an Industriemeister (industrial master) in chemistry.
University studies
If university entry is met, study for example chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering.
Other trainings: Agriculture, environment and sciences
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
Is there an intermediate exam?
Which options does the employer choose?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.