Forest worker (Forstwirt/in)
You plant, tend and harvest the forest: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, alternating between the forestry employer and vocational school.
What a forest worker does
They reforest and tend forests, protect young trees, fell trees with a chainsaw or machines, and build and maintain tracks, shelters and leisure facilities.
Plant and tend
Reforest, protect young trees from game and pests, look after biotopes and watercourses.
Harvest timber
Fell, trim, measure and mark trunks, or operate timber harvesting machines.
Build and maintain
Build and maintain forest tracks, high seats, nest boxes and facilities for visitors.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy working outdoors in all weathers
- you are physically fit and have stamina
- you take responsibility seriously with chainsaws and machinery
- you are interested in nature, trees and wild animals
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with cold, rain and heat
- you have a fear of heights or fragile health
- you are looking for an office job or a low-physical job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Planting and reforestationChainsaw fellingTimber measuring and sortingMachine maintenanceNature conservationWorkplace safetyPersonal qualities
StaminaSense of responsibilityTeam spiritWeather resilienceObservationHow 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.
Discovering the forest
- Overview of the employer
- Planting and tending young trees
- Basics of harvesting and machines
Harvest and habitats
- Harvesting and preparing timber
- Protecting natural habitats
- Intermediate exam
Going deeper
- Forestry and nature conservation
- Harvesting, extraction and machines
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) before the end of the second year: practical (3 tasks, up to 3 hours, explained in a discussion) and written (up to 90 minutes). The final exam: practical (3 tasks, up to 6 hours) and written in 3 subjects. The qualification is issued under the authority of the Chamber of Agriculture (Landwirtschaftskammer).
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
- Outdoor work in contact with nature
- Jobs in public and private forests and service firms
- Possibility of specialising: machines, trees
Difficulties
- Very physical work, often in awkward positions
- Weather: cold, rain, heat, difficult ground
- Accident risk, especially when felling
- Sometimes remote sites and frequent travel
Where it can lead
Skilled forest worker
Jobs in forestry businesses, forestry service providers or forestry administrations.
Further training
Become a forestry machine operator, a nature and landscape conservation worker or a tree care specialist.
Master or studies
Take the Forstwirtschaftsmeister (master forester) exam, the Techniker, or study forestry science.
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 chainsaw felling taught during the training?
Can I move into a supervisory role?
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.