Carpenter (Zimmerer/in)
You build roof frames, timber houses and staircases: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, for working with wood on building sites.
What a carpenter does
They build and erect roof trusses, timber houses and timber halls, make staircases, windows and partitions, protect the wood and renovate old structures.
Roof framing
Make and erect roof frames, dormers and timber frames from the plans.
Timber building
Make and assemble frame walls, solid timber elements and façade cladding.
Renovation
Replace damaged timbers, protect the wood and restore historic structures.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like working with wood and assembling large structures
- you have an eye for detail and manual precision
- you are not afraid of heights on a roof or a frame
- you like putting up structures as a team with colleagues
Less suitable if…
- you are afraid of heights or avoid them
- you find it hard to lift heavy beams
- you are looking for an office job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Roof framing and timber framesReading plansTimber machiningFitting stairs and windowsInsulation and claddingWood protectionPersonal qualities
PrecisionSense of balanceTeamworkSafety awarenessManual skillHow 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
- Reading plans and measuring
- Basic woodworking
Practice
- Frames and roof elements
- Insulation and cladding
- Part 1 of the final exam
The trade
- Roof frames and timber structures
- Renovation and wood protection
- 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
- Hands-on work with a natural material, wood
- Route to master craftsman or further study
Difficulties
- Physical work with heavy parts
- Work at height: you must be comfortable with it
- Changing sites, noise and dust
- Very strict precision and safety rules
Where it can lead
Skilled carpenter
Jobs in carpentry firms, timber construction companies or façade companies.
Further training
Deepen your skills in roof framing or building repair through short training courses.
Master or degree
Take the Zimmerermeister (master carpenter), take over a firm or study timber technology.
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.