Ceramicist (Keramiker/in)
You shape, decorate and fire clay objects, from tableware to stove tiles: a 3-year training in a craft workshop, with classes at a vocational school.
What a ceramicist does
They prepare the clay body, shape the piece on the wheel or in a plaster mould, glaze it and fire it in the kiln until it becomes the finished object.
Shape
Throw round forms on the wheel, model sculptures or cast clay in plaster moulds for repeat pieces.
Decorate
Paint, glaze and decorate raw or bisque-fired pieces from a design, often created by the ceramicist.
Fire and check
Run the firings, monitor the drying and spot defects before the pieces are sold.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you enjoy drawing and imagining shapes and decorations
- you are careful and patient, right down to the details
- you are fine with workshop work and the heat of the kiln
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with clay dust and paint fumes
- you want an office job with no manual work
- you dislike repetitive, meticulous tasks
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Throwing and modellingClay body preparationGlazes and slipsSurface decorationKiln operationDrawing and designQuality controlPersonal qualities
Eye for detailManual dexterityCreativityPatienceAesthetic senseHow 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
- Safety, tools, organisation
- Preparing clay bodies
- Shaping simple blanks
Surfaces and firing
- Glazes, slips and decoration
- Drying and firing pieces
- Intermediate exam
Specialisation
- Two options of your choice
- Quality control of pieces
- Journeyman's exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) towards the end of the second year, then the journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung): making a product, producing blanks, technology and design, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued under the authority of the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
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 that leaves a tangible result
- Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Two options to choose from to specialise
- The chance to set up your own workshop
Difficulties
- Jobs are mostly in small craft workshops
- Heat, dust and fumes in the workshop
- No collective pay scale to refer to
- Vocational school classes in blocks, sometimes far away
Where it can lead
Qualified ceramicist
Work in a craft ceramics workshop: tableware, stove tiles, decorative objects.
Master ceramicist
Take the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.
Studies or own workshop
With the required entry level, study ceramics or open your own 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?
How does specialisation work?
Where are the vocational school classes held?
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.