Chimney sweep (Schornsteinfeger/in)
You inspect and clean heating systems, flues and ventilation for safety and energy: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in a craft business.
What a chimney sweep does
They check the operational and fire safety of heating, flue gas and ventilation systems. They clean, measure emissions, keep records and advise customers.
Inspect
Check heating systems, flues and ventilation for operational safety and fire safety.
Clean
Sweep fireplaces and flues, and remove deposits from ventilation systems.
Advise
Record measurements and defects, then advise on energy efficiency and climate protection.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are careful and cautious in your work
- you like technology and precise measurements
- you are comfortable working at height, on roofs
- you like dealing with customers
Less suitable if…
- you are afraid of heights or avoid roofs
- you dislike dirty and physical work
- you refuse to follow strict safety rules
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Flue inspectionSweeping and cleaningEmission measurementVentilation and extractorsFire safetyReport writingPersonal qualities
Safety awarenessAttention to detailComfort at heightPeople skillsWillingness to learnHow 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.
The basics
- Trade rules and safety
- Sweeping and cleaning
- Checking flue gas systems
Inspecting
- Heating and flue gas systems
- Ventilation and extractors
- Exam part 1 (4th half-year)
Assessing and advising
- Fire safety and energy
- Measurements, defects, records
- Customer advice, final exam
Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has 2 parts. Part 1 takes place in the 4th half-year: sweeping and inspection work, with a 4-hour practical task, a 10-minute discussion and a 60-minute written paper. Part 2, at the end, covers 4 areas: operational and fire safety, climate and energy, ventilation, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief from the HWK.
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 1st year
- A trade tied to safety and energy
- Gesellenbrief recognised across Germany
- Varied work at customers' premises, on roofs
Difficulties
- Work at height and in all weathers
- Dirty and physical work
- Fire and climate rules keep changing
- Heavy responsibility for customers' safety
Where it can lead
Qualified chimney sweep
Jobs in a chimney sweep business or with an energy consultancy.
Inspection specialist
Take on more complex inspections, measurements and energy advice.
Master chimney sweep (Meister)
Take the Schornsteinfegermeister, the master craftsman qualification for the trade.
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?
Has the chimney sweep trade changed recently?
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.