Bespoke tailor (Maßschneider/in)
You design and make garments to each client's measurements: a 3-year paid training, in a tailoring workshop and at a vocational school, with two specialisations.
What a bespoke tailor does
They advise the client on fabrics and cuts, take measurements, draw the pattern, cut and sew the garment, then adjust it during the fittings.
Advise and measure
Gather the client's wishes, take measurements and advise on fabrics, colours and cuts.
Draw and cut
Draw the design, create patterns, often on a computer, then cut the fabric accurately.
Sew and adjust
Assemble the garment by machine or by hand, press it, fit it and correct the cut.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual dexterity with fine needles and threads
- you have creativity and a sense of aesthetics
- you like advising a client and meeting their wishes
- you are careful and spot the smallest flaw in the cut
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with textile dust and steam from the iron
- you dislike meticulous work that takes time
- you do not like direct contact with clients
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Taking measurementsPattern makingCutting fabricMachine sewingHand sewingFitting and alterationsClient advicePersonal qualities
Manual dexterityCreativityPrecisionClient focusObservation 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 sewing
- Sketches, drawings and patterns
- Stitches and sewing machines
- Measurements and basic models
Complete garments
- Collars, sleeves, pockets, linings
- Repairs and alterations
- Intermediate exam
Your specialisation
- Womenswear or menswear
- Advice, fittings, cost estimates
- Journeyman's exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) before the end of the second year: a task of up to 8 hours, based on a client order. Then the journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung): a practical part of up to 40 hours with a professional discussion, and a written part. Qualification: Gesellenbrief from 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 where every piece is unique
- Two specialisations: womenswear or menswear
- Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Option to take the Meister or open your own workshop
Difficulties
- Meticulous work that demands concentration
- Textile dust and steam in the workshop
- Jobs are mostly in small tailoring workshops
- Demanding clients: alterations are frequent
Where it can lead
Qualified tailor
Work in a bespoke or alterations workshop, at a theatre, in film or in a shop with alterations.
Master tailor
Take the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.
Studies or own workshop
With the required entry level, study fashion design or open your own tailoring 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?
What are the two specialisations?
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.