Livestock farmer (Tierwirt/Tierwirtin)
You rear, feed and care for animals on a livestock farm: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, with 5 possible specialisms.
What a livestock farmer does
They rear, keep and care for the animals of a commercial farm, in order to sell the animals or their products. The training offers 5 specialisms: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep (Schäferei) and beekeeping.
Feed
Compose and give out rations, adapting feeding to the age and output of the animals.
Care
Monitor the health of the herd, apply preventive measures and clean the buildings.
Rear
Follow breeding, assist births, rear young animals and sell the production.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like animals and watch their behaviour closely
- you are careful and keep accurate records
- you have a taste for technology and barn equipment
- you accept regular work, including at weekends
Less suitable if…
- you cannot stand barn smells and dirt
- you are uncomfortable around animals
- you refuse repetitive, physical work
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Animal feedingAnimal health and hygieneBreeding and rearingHousing and barn equipmentMachinery and maintenanceKeeping livestock recordsPersonal qualities
ObservationCare and accuracySense of responsibilityTechnical sensePatienceHow 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.
Basic training
- Farm, safety, animal welfare
- Feeding and housing animals
- Animal health and hygiene
The specialism
- Husbandry for your specialism
- Breeding and production
- Intermediate exam
Independence
- Running the livestock independently
- Selling produce, costing
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place before the end of the 2nd year: 2 practical tasks (up to 3 hours) and a written paper of up to 120 minutes. The final exam has a practical part of up to 7 hours (2 tasks with a technical discussion) and written papers specific to your specialism. The certificate 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 1st year
- 5 specialisms: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, bees
- Hands-on work with live animals
- Master (Meister) prospects in animal husbandry
Difficulties
- Physical, regular work, weekends included
- Smells, dirt and frequent cleaning
- Heavy responsibility for animal health
- Trainee pay below the average
Where it can lead
Qualified livestock farmer
Jobs on livestock farms, at insemination stations, in research institutions or in agricultural trade.
Care specialist
Train as a Klauenpfleger (hoof trimmer) or Fachagrarwirt Klauenpflege (agricultural specialist).
Master of livestock (Meister)
Take the Tierwirtschaftsmeister or the Landwirtschaftsmeister to run a farm.
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?
Which specialisms can you 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.