Gold and silversmith (Gold- und Silberschmied/in)
You create gold jewellery or silver objects from a design: a 42-month training in a workshop and at a vocational school, with a choice between gold and silver smithing.
What a gold and silversmith does
They work precious metals by forging, casting and joining them, then polish and decorate the surface to produce a finished piece of jewellery or an object.
Design
Draw jewellery or objects, on their own or from a client's request, sometimes using software.
Make
Forge, cast, solder and join gold, silver and other metals, then set the stones.
Repair and finish
Polish, decorate surfaces, repair or rework pieces and advise clients.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you enjoy drawing and imagining precise shapes
- you are very careful and notice the smallest details
- you have a sense of aesthetics and creativity
Less suitable if…
- you dislike meticulous work that takes a lot of patience
- you cope badly with fine dust and some smells
- you want a job of broad movements, with no precision work
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Drawing and designMetal melting and castingForging and shapingSoldering and joiningStone settingSurface polishingJewellery repairPersonal qualities
PrecisionCreativityManual dexterityPatienceObservation skillsHow 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 of the trade
- Safety, tools, machines
- Sketches and production drawings
- Filing, drilling, bending, soldering
Making techniques
- Casting, forging and joining
- Surface treatment
- Intermediate exam
Your specialisation
- Gold: jewellery, chains, gem-setting
- Silver: objects and functional pieces
- Stone setting and repair
Exam preparation
- Exam piece made to order
- Advice and quality
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) in the fourth half-year, with a 7-hour task, then the final exam (Gesellen- or Abschlussprüfung): a piece of goldsmithing made in 32 hours with a professional discussion, technology, design and planning, economics and social studies. Qualification: Gesellenbrief (crafts) or IHK certificate, depending on the competent Chamber.
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
- A creative trade where you make one-off pieces
- Two specialisations: gold or silver smithing
- Openings: workshops, jewellers, industry, design studios
- Option to take the Meister or set up your own workshop
Difficulties
- Meticulous work that demands a lot of concentration
- Fine dust and smells in workshops
- A long training: 42 months in total
- A collective pay scale exists only in Baden-Württemberg
Where it can lead
Qualified gold and silversmith
Work in a goldsmith's workshop, a jeweller's, the jewellery industry or a design studio.
Master goldsmith
Take the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.
Studies or own workshop
With the required entry level, study jewellery design or open your own workshop or jeweller's.
Other trainings: Crafts, design and creative trades
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?
What is the difference between gold and silver smithing?
Why does the training last 42 months?
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.