Electronics technician, crafts (Elektroniker/in)
You install, commission and maintain electrical building systems or automated systems. A paid 3.5-year training, in a company and at vocational school.
What an electronics technician does
The craft electronics technician designs and installs building or automated production systems, commissions them and maintains them. There are two specialisations: energy and building technology, or automation.
Install
Install power supply, lighting, climate control, monitoring and data network systems in buildings.
Program and configure
Program and configure the controls and regulation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Fix and maintain
Find the causes of faults, fix them and carry out maintenance on technical installations.
This occupation is for you if…
- you work carefully and always check the safety protections
- you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you like understanding how technical installations work
- you accept the responsibility of working on live components
Less suitable if…
- you cannot stand working at customers' premises or on building sites
- you dislike applied mathematics and physics
- you do not want to follow electrical safety rules strictly
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Electrical installationComponent wiringMeasurement and safety testsControl programmingFault findingData networksPersonal qualities
CareSense of responsibilityCautionTechnical understandingManual dexterityHow 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.
Electrical basics
- Safety, plans and diagrams
- Assembling and wiring components
- Measurements on installations
Systems and controls
- Networks and simple controls
- Fault analysis and repair
- Exam part 1 (18 months)
Chosen specialisation
- Energy and building technology
- Or automation and systems
- Projects with real customers
Final exam
- Commissioning systems
- Tests according to standards
- Final exam part 2
Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1 takes place in the fourth half-year of training (the “electrotechnical installations and equipment” area); part 2, at the end of training, covers the customer order, system design, function analysis and economics and society. You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued by the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
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 training from the first year
- A useful trade in building and energy
- Two specialisations: building or automation
- Progression to Meister or study possible
Difficulties
- Long training of 3.5 years
- Sometimes work at customers' sites
- Absolute rigour on electrical safety
- The first months in German take effort
Where it can lead
Skilled electronics technician
Work in an electrical trades company, or in real estate (facility management, technical services).
Building energy adviser
Train as a building energy adviser (Gebäudeenergieberater) or take business management courses.
Meister or university
Work towards the Meister (master craftsman), which also allows study without the general baccalaureate.
Other trainings: Industry, metalworking and mechanics
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 specialisations?
What does an electronics technician apprentice earn?
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.