Saddler (Sattler/in)
You work leather and textiles to make saddles, bags or vehicle upholstery: a 3-year training, with a choice between three specialisations.
What a saddler does
They cut, sew, glue and assemble leather, fabric and synthetic materials to make or repair items, depending on the chosen specialisation: vehicles, riding or fine leather goods.
Vehicle upholstery
Make and repair interior trim, hoods and tarpaulins for all types of vehicles.
Riding equipment
Measure the horse, then make saddles, bridles and harnesses in leather to order.
Fine leather goods
Make handbags, wallets or suitcases, as one-off pieces or in small runs.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you enjoy working leather and fabric with precise tools
- you are careful, including with visible stitching
- you like advising a client and meeting their request
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with machine noise and the smell of glue or leather
- you dislike meticulous work that takes time
- you dislike sometimes working outdoors or in a stable
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Cutting leather and fabricPattern makingMachine sewingHand sewingUpholstering and fittingFitting hardwareClient advicePersonal qualities
Manual dexterityPrecisionAesthetic sensePatienceClient focusHow 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
- Leather, fabrics and tools
- Patterns and cutting
- Basic sewing and gluing
Your specialisation
- Making in your specialisation
- Repairs and alterations
- Intermediate exam
Complete orders
- Client orders on your own
- Advice and cost estimates
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) before the end of the second year: a task of up to 6 hours. Then the final exam: a practical part of up to 16 hours with a 20-minute discussion, and a written part. Qualification: Gesellenbrief (Chamber of Crafts, HWK) or IHK certificate, depending on the company.
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 hands-on trade combining leather, sewing and design
- Three specialisations: vehicles, riding, leather goods
- Qualification recognised throughout the country
- Option to take the Meister or open your own workshop
Difficulties
- Machine noise and the smell of glue or leather
- Jobs are split between small workshops and industry
- Shift work in industry, Saturdays are possible
- Your choice of specialisation narrows openings at first
Where it can lead
Qualified saddler
Work in a saddlery, the leather industry, at a car supplier or in a restoration workshop.
Master saddler and leather maker
Take the Meister (master craftsman) exam for saddlers and leather goods makers to run a workshop.
Studies or own workshop
With the required entry level, study textile and clothing technology 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?
What are the three 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.