Vehicle painter (Fahrzeuglackierer/in)
You prepare, paint and customise vehicle bodywork. A 3-year training, paid from the first year, split between the workshop and vocational school.
What a vehicle painter does
A vehicle painter assesses body and paint damage, prepares the surfaces, then applies the coats of paint with spray guns and creates lettering or decorative designs.
Assess and prepare
Spot body and paint damage, then prepare the surface: cleaning, filler and sanding.
Paint and protect
Apply the coats of paint with a spray gun, then preserve the surface with care products such as high-gloss polishes.
Decorate and fit
Create lettering and designs with stencils or films, remove and refit parts, install vehicle glazing.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are careful and precise, even with repeated tasks
- you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
- you easily notice small irregularities in a surface
- you handle spray guns and products with care
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work in a workshop or a paint booth
- you are looking for a job that is purely office-based
- you dislike meticulous work that takes patience
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Surface preparationSpray gun applicationFilling and sandingDesigns and letteringRemoving and fitting partsQuality controlPersonal qualities
MeticulousnessManual dexterityObservationCare and cautionAesthetic senseHow 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.
Basics of the trade
- Tools, materials and safety
- Checking and preparing surfaces
- First painted surfaces
Painting surfaces
- Advanced preparation and painting
- Intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung)
- Work on vehicle parts
Specialisation
- Removing and fitting parts
- Lettering and paint effects
- Final exam (Gesellenprüfung)
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place before the end of the second year: a practical task on a vehicle part, plus written questions. The final exam (Gesellenprüfung) has a practical part based on a customer order and a written part. You obtain the Gesellenbrief (journeyman's certificate), issued by the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
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
- Training in a company and at vocational school
- Concrete work with visible results
- Progression to Meister or technician possible
Difficulties
- Work in a workshop and paint booth
- Precision required at every step
- Protection needed against the products used
- The first months in German take effort
Where it can lead
Skilled worker
Work in a vehicle paint shop, in vehicle manufacturing or in an in-house factory paint shop.
Specialist training
Take courses to deepen your skills in painting, design and finishing techniques.
Meister or technician
Work towards the Meister (master craftsman) or a technician qualification, start a business or study.
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 is a “Gesellenbrief”?
What does a vehicle painter 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.