Engraver (Graveur/in)
You engrave designs, lettering and tools on metal and other materials, by hand or by machine: a 3-year paid training, in a workshop and at a vocational school.
What an engraver does
They work mainly with metals, but also plastic, glass and porcelain: they engrave rings, plaques and stamping tools, by hand or by machine.
Design
Create patterns from a client's request or their own ideas, scan photos and rework files in CAD software.
Engrave
Engrave rings, plaques, stamps and embossing tools with a graver, a machine or a laser.
Finish and check
Matt, polish and colour surfaces and check the shape, colour and quality of the pieces.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual dexterity and precise hand movements
- you enjoy drawing and creating patterns, letters and ornaments
- you are very careful and faithful to the drawings you are given
- you are comfortable with a computer and precision machines
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with machine noise and fine dust
- you dislike work that demands intense concentration
- you want a job with no drawing or computer work
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Drawing and CADHand engraving with a graverMachine engravingLaser markingMetalworkingSurface finishingQuality controlPersonal qualities
PrecisionDrawing skillsAesthetic sensePatienceObservation 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
- Technical drawing and CAD
- Metalworking: filing, drilling
- Safety and tool maintenance
Engraving techniques
- Hand and machine engraving
- Finishing and decorating surfaces
- Part 1 of the exam
Orders and tools
- Stamps and embossing tools
- Reliefs, coins and medals
- Part 2 of the exam
Exams and qualification
A journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) in two parts. Part 1 in the middle of the second year: making a workpiece (7 hours). Part 2 at the end of the training: a customer order (60 hours), production technology, design, economics and social studies. Qualification: Gesellenbrief, issued by the Chamber of Crafts (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
- A trade where you create personalised pieces
- A mix of traditional skills and digital techniques
- Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Option to take the Meister or set up your own workshop
Difficulties
- Few apprentices: the trade remains very specialised
- Noise, fine dust and smells in some workshops
- Constant precision is required, little room for error
- Openings are mostly in small workshops and industry
Where it can lead
Qualified engraver
Work in an engraving workshop, at an industrial tool maker or in a same-day service.
Master engraver
Take the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.
Studies or own workshop
With the required entry level, study fine arts or open your own engraving workshop.
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?
Can I add a qualification during the training?
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.