Road builder (Straßenbauer/in)
You build roads, cycle paths and squares: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, for an outdoor career in civil engineering.
What a road builder does
They build roads, paths, squares and cycle tracks: earthworks, base layers, surfacing in asphalt, concrete or paving stones, and maintenance work.
Excavate
Mark out the site, dig, compact the ground and lay the gravel base layers.
Surface
Lay asphalt or concrete, fit paving stones and slabs, and build the kerbs.
Maintain
Repair road surfaces, set up site traffic signs and prepare the way for utility lines.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like working outdoors and seeing a useful structure being built
- you are handy with tools and measuring instruments
- you like operating site machinery carefully
- you are careful when laying and aligning paving stones
Less suitable if…
- you cope badly with bad weather and site noise
- you dislike working hours that are sometimes at night or at weekends
- you are looking for an office job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
EarthworksLaying paving and slabsAsphalt layingMachinery operationReading plansLevelling measurementsPersonal qualities
PrecisionCareStaminaTeamworkReliabilityHow 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, signage and safety
- Reading plans and measuring
- Earthworks and first paving
Practice
- Asphalt, concrete and kerbs
- Drainage of road surfaces
- Part 1 of the final exam
The trade
- Complete roads and squares
- Repairs and demolition
- 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
- Visible structures that everyone uses
- Route to master craftsman or further study
Difficulties
- Physical work, almost always outdoors
- Noise, dust, exhaust gases and asphalt fumes
- Working hours sometimes at night or at weekends
- Sites that often change location
Where it can lead
Skilled road builder
Jobs in road and track construction, underground utility work or a municipal technical department.
Further training
Deepen your skills in road and paving construction or building repair through short courses.
Master or degree
Take the Straßenbauermeister (master), 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.