Office management clerk (Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Büromanagement)
You organise the administrative work of a company or public body: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, with two electives to choose from.
What an office management clerk does
They organise and coordinate office tasks: customer relations, order handling, purchasing, support with personnel tasks and management tools, with electives depending on the employer.
Organise
Plan office tasks, manage information and coordinate work between departments.
Serve customers
Follow customer relations, process orders and document exchanges with care.
Manage
Contribute to purchasing, personnel-related tasks and management monitoring, using software well.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like organising, filing and planning methodically
- you are comfortable with computers and office software
- you enjoy working with colleagues and customers
- you want a versatile job found in every sector
Less suitable if…
- you do not like working in front of a screen for much of the day
- you struggle with repetitive administrative tasks
- you want a mainly manual or outdoor job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Office organisationWord processing, spreadsheetsOrder trackingBuying equipment and servicesCustomer relationsManagement monitoringPersonal qualities
Organisation skillsAccuracyCommunicationDiscretionTeam spiritHow 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
- Office organisation
- Information and office tools
- Word processing and spreadsheets
The processes
- Customer relations and orders
- Purchasing and personnel tasks
- Final exam, part 1
The electives
- Two electives of 5 months
- Steering and management monitoring
- Final exam, part 2
Exams and qualification
The final exam is in two parts (gestreckte Abschlussprüfung). Part 1, in the 4th half-year, is a 120-minute office IT paper (25% of the mark). Part 2, at the end of training, has two written papers and a 20-minute interview on the chosen elective. You obtain the certificate from the IHK or the competent public body.
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
- Versatile training, useful in every sector
- Two electives to choose from ten areas
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Jobs in companies and the public sector
Difficulties
- A lot of time spent in front of a screen
- Administrative tasks that can be repetitive
- Business and administrative vocabulary in German
- Versatility required across many subjects
Where it can lead
Skilled office clerk
A post as assistant, secretary or administrative manager in a company or the public sector.
Fachwirt, office and projects
Further qualification at bachelor level, to run an office or coordinate projects.
Team lead or assistant
Lead a team or assist management, with a recognised further qualification.
Other trainings: Management, finance and administration
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 are the two electives of the training?
Can you do this training in the public sector?
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.