Wholesale and foreign trade clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement)
You buy, sell and organise the flow of goods between suppliers and customers: a 36-month training, paid from the first year, with two possible specialisations.
What a wholesale and foreign trade clerk does
They plan and monitor purchasing, logistics and sales, compare offers, negotiate with suppliers and advise customers. The specialisation, wholesale or foreign trade, shapes the job.
Buy
Find sources of supply, compare offers, negotiate and place orders.
Sell
Advise customers, draw up quotes, process orders and complaints.
Steer
Monitor stock, deliveries and costs; in foreign trade, handle customs formalities.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy negotiating with suppliers and customers
- you are comfortable with figures and price calculations
- you like organising the flow of goods
- you want to work mostly in an office, at a screen
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to spend the day at a computer
- you feel uneasy with contracts and paperwork
- you dislike negotiating and persuading
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Purchasing and sourcingAdvice and sellingLogistics and transportStock monitoringCost calculationBusiness softwareCustoms formalitiesPersonal qualities
NegotiationAccuracyOrganisationCustomer focusAnalytical mindHow 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.
Trade basics
- Company organisation
- Range and purchasing
- Contact with customers
Sales and logistics
- Marketing and sales
- Distribution of goods
- Part 1 of the final exam
Specialisation
- Wholesale or foreign trade
- Cost and figures monitoring
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam is in two parts. Part 1, a written paper of 90 minutes, takes place during the fourth half-year of training. Part 2, at the end of training, has two written papers (60 and 120 minutes), a 30-minute discussion of a workplace task and a 60-minute economics and social studies paper. Qualification: IHK certificate (Chamber of Commerce and 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
- Two specialisations: wholesale or foreign trade
- Posts in almost every sector of the economy
- Route to the Handelsfachwirt or to university
Difficulties
- A lot of screen work
- Negotiating and calculating demand accuracy
- Documents and business German are demanding
- Two-part final exam, with a heavy load
Where it can lead
Qualified commercial clerk
Jobs in wholesale, import-export or any purchasing and sales department.
Purchasing or sales lead
Run purchasing or sales projects and look after key customers.
Handelsfachwirt or degree
Take the Handelsfachwirt (retail business specialist) or study business administration.
Other trainings: Trade and sales
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?
What is the difference between wholesale and foreign trade?
Can I work for myself afterwards?
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.