Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems mechanic (Anlagenmechaniker SHK)
You install and service sanitary systems, heating, ventilation and heat pumps: a paid training of three and a half years for a versatile technical trade.
What a plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems mechanic does
They install water and air systems, fit and connect sanitary equipment, commission boilers and heat pumps, install smart-home systems and advise customers.
Install
Lay pipes and ducts, fit sanitary ware, heating and ventilation in homes and buildings.
Commission
Connect boilers and heat pumps, adjust the system and explain its use to the customer.
Maintain
Inspect, service and repair systems, with on-call duty at times.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like understanding how a technical installation works
- you are handy at bending, welding and assembling pipes
- you are comfortable explaining a solution to a customer
- you like alternating between workshop, building site and customers' homes
Less suitable if…
- you are afraid of heights on ladders and scaffolding
- you dislike on-call duty and urgent repair calls
- you find it hard to carry heavy components
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Pipework and connectionsWelding and solderingSanitary installationHeating and heat pumpsVentilation and air conditioningMeasuring and adjustingCommissioningPersonal qualities
PrecisionTechnical senseService mindsetTeamworkReliabilityHow 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
- Measuring and checking
- Welding, soldering, joining
- Cutting and bending pipes
Technique
- Laying pipes and ducts
- Electrical basics
- Part 1 of the final exam
Installations
- Heating, sanitary, air con
- Renewable energies
- Commissioning
Finishing
- Complete customer orders
- Servicing and diagnosis
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam (Abschluss- or Gesellenprüfung) has two parts: part 1 takes place before the end of the second year and counts for 30 per cent of the result; part 2, at the end of the training, covers the customer order, planning, system analysis and maintenance, and business and social studies. Certificate issued by the HWK or the IHK depending on the company.
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
- Paid from the first year
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Technical trade geared to sustainable energy
- Route to master craftsman or further study
Difficulties
- Physical work, sometimes in cramped spaces
- On-call duty and urgent call-outs possible
- Constant contact with customers in their homes
- Long training, three and a half years
Where it can lead
Skilled installer
Jobs in building services firms or with a heating and air-conditioning contractor.
Further training
Deepen your skills in pipe fitting or in electrical measurement, control and regulation through courses.
Master or degree
Take the master installer and heating engineer's Meister, start your own firm or study building services engineering.
Other trainings: Building and construction
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 much do you earn during the training?
Can you choose a field of activity?
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.