Tiler (Fliesen-, Platten- und Mosaikleger/in)
You cover floors, walls and façades with tiles, slabs and mosaic: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, for a trade that rewards precision.
What a tiler does
They cover floors, walls, stairs, pools and façades with tiles, slabs or mosaic: they measure, prepare the base, lay, grout and repair.
Prepare
Measure surfaces, draw up a laying plan, calculate materials and prepare the base.
Lay
Apply adhesive or mortar, lay tiles, slabs or mosaic and fill the joints.
Renovate
Waterproof, repair or replace damaged coverings and treat natural stone.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like clean finishes and perfectly aligned surfaces
- you have a sense of space and can read a laying plan
- you are handy at cutting and fitting small pieces
- you accept working on your knees and carrying packs of tiles
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with working on your knees for long periods
- you find it hard to carry heavy loads
- you are looking for an office job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Tile layingCutting and fittingWaterproofingReading laying plansPreparing basesGroutingPersonal qualities
PrecisionCareSpatial sensePatienceStaminaHow 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
- Site, tools and safety
- Plans, measuring and bases
- First tile laying
Practice
- Floors, walls and waterproofing
- Heating beneath tiles
- Part 1 of the final exam
The trade
- Stairs, pools and façades
- Mosaic and natural stone
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam (Gesellenprüfung) has two parts: part 1 takes place in the fourth half-year of training, so in the second year, and counts for 40 per cent of the result; part 2 closes the training. You obtain the journeyman's certificate (Gesellenbrief), issued by the competent chamber: HWK for crafts, IHK for 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
- Paid from the first year
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Attractive results that the client can see
- Route to master craftsman or further study
Difficulties
- Often on your knees and physically demanding
- Heavy loads to handle, cutting dust
- Workplaces that change from site to site
- Precision required: little room for error
Where it can lead
Skilled tiler
Jobs in tiling firms, finishing trades, façade companies or paving businesses.
Further training
Deepen your skills in tile laying or façade construction through short training courses.
Master or degree
Take the master tiler's Meister, start your own firm or study civil engineering with university entry.
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 do company and school alternate?
Does the new training regulation change the exam?
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.