Sheet metal worker and roof plumber (Klempner/in)
You shape sheet metal for gutters, façades and ventilation: a paid training of three and a half years for a trade split between workshop and building site.
What a Klempner does
They make and fit gutter systems, window sills, façade cladding and sheet-metal ventilation ducts, both on building sites and in the workshop.
Shape
Cut, bend, fold and weld sheet metal and tubes to make roof-metalwork parts.
Fit
Install gutters and downpipes, roof and façade cladding, then seal them.
Install
Fit ventilation ducts, solar collectors and lightning protection systems.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like working with metal and shaping parts precisely
- you are handy and comfortable with cutting and bending machines
- you are not afraid of heights on ladders and scaffolding
- you like alternating between workshop and outdoor sites
Less suitable if…
- you are afraid of heights or avoid them
- you cope badly with the noise of workshop machines
- you find it hard to carry heavy parts
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Sheet metal bending and cuttingWelding and solderingGutter fittingVentilation ductsSolar installationReading plansPersonal qualities
PrecisionManual skillSense of balanceTeamworkCareHow 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
- Workshop, tools and safety
- Cutting, bending and welding
- First simple parts
Technique
- Gutters and cladding
- Fixing into masonry and timber
- Part 1 of the final exam
Independence
- Ventilation and sealing
- Solar and lightning protection
- Sites run independently
Finishing
- Complete jobs to order
- Preparing for the final exam
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (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 a customer order, manufacturing, assembly and maintenance technology, and business and social studies. You obtain the journeyman's certificate (Gesellenbrief), issued by 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
- Paid from the first year
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Varied work: workshop, roofs and façades
- Route to master craftsman or further study
Difficulties
- Physical work, sometimes at height
- Machine noise in the workshop
- Changeable weather on building sites
- Longer training, three and a half years
Where it can lead
Skilled Klempner
Jobs in building installation firms or ventilation companies.
Further training
Deepen your skills in sheet metalwork or pipe fitting through short training courses.
Master or degree
Take the Klempnermeister (master craftsman), 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 much do you earn during the training?
How do company and school alternate?
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.