E-commerce clerk (Kaufmann/-frau im E-Commerce)
You keep an online shop running: range, orders, payment, marketing and customer service. A 36-month training, paid from the first year.
What an e-commerce clerk does
They work where purchasing, advertising, logistics, accounting and IT meet, on online shops, marketplaces and social media.
Present
Put products online, categorise them and present them so that people want to buy.
Process
Handle enquiries and complaints, set up payment methods and monitor payments.
Promote
Plan online marketing activities and measure how well they perform.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are comfortable with digital tools and data
- you like understanding what makes a customer buy
- you can write clearly and for the right audience
- you accept shift hours, sometimes at weekends
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work at a screen all day
- you dislike analysing figures and statistics
- you want tasks that never change
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Running an online shopProduct presentationPayment methodsOnline marketingSales data analysisCustomer service and messagingData protection rulesPersonal qualities
Customer focusAnalytical mindFlexibilityAccuracyCommunicationHow 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.
Channels and range
- Choosing the sales channel
- Managing the range
- Supporting purchasing
Contracts and customers
- Contracts and fulfilment
- Communicating with customers
- Part 1 of the final exam
Marketing and control
- Online marketing
- Monitoring key figures
- 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 in the middle of the second year. Part 2, at the end of training, has two written papers (120 and 60 minutes), a discussion of up to 20 minutes on a project, based on a report, 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
- A recent, digitally focused occupation
- Varied tasks: sales, marketing, data
- Route to the Handelsfachwirt or to university
Difficulties
- A lot of time at the screen
- Tasks and tools change often
- Analysing figures and data is demanding
- Shift and weekend work is possible
Where it can lead
Online commerce clerk
Jobs in online retail, with manufacturers or in service firms that sell online.
Online marketing specialist
Run campaigns, marketplaces and sales analysis.
Handelsfachwirt or degree
Take the Handelsfachwirt (retail business specialist) or study marketing and sales.
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?
Where do you work after this training?
Can I set up my own online shop?
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.