Marketing communications clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Marketingkommunikation)
You design, plan and monitor advertising and communication campaigns: a 3-year paid training, in an agency or a company, with classes at a vocational school.
What a marketing communications clerk does
They analyse markets and audiences, help shape brand strategy, prepare campaigns with creatives and service providers, and check how they are carried out.
Analyse
Study a market, pin down the target audiences and identify client needs.
Design
Help shape brand strategy and concepts for communication campaigns.
Manage
Plan resources, choose service providers, and monitor deadlines, costs and quality.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have a head for business and organisation
- you enjoy communicating, persuading and listening to clients
- you are comfortable negotiating with service providers
- you are interested in brands, media and advertising
Less suitable if…
- you dislike working with figures and budgets
- you want a manual job, far from the office
- you dislike presenting your ideas to clients
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Market analysisBrand strategyCampaign designMedia planningProject managementBudget and cost controlRights and licencesPersonal qualities
Communication skillsOrganisationNegotiationCreativityTeamworkHow 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.
Business basics
- Company, brands and media
- Communication and client relations
- Briefing and first projects
Market and campaigns
- Market and target analysis
- Concepts and copyright
- Intermediate exam
Project management
- Concepts and media planning
- Providers and campaign control
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
A written intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) in the middle of the second year (120 minutes), then the final exam (Abschlussprüfung): marketing concepts, implementation of measures, economics and social studies, and a case-based discussion. Qualification: the IHK final certificate (Abschlusszeugnis) from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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 creative, varied job in contact with clients
- Paid training from the first year
- Openings in agencies, companies and organisations
- Further training is possible, for example Fachwirt for marketing
Difficulties
- Tight deadlines and pressure from clients
- A lot of screen time and meetings
- Changing workplaces: offices, client sites, trade fairs
- A good level of written German is essential
Where it can lead
Communications assistant
Work in an advertising or PR agency, or in a company's marketing department.
Marketing Fachwirt
Take the Fachwirt further training (marketing specialist) to aim for a post with responsibility.
Studies or own agency
With the required entry level, study marketing or set up your own agency or consultancy.
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?
Is the training done in an agency or in a company?
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.