Precision mechanic (Feinwerkmechaniker/in)
You make precise metal parts for machines and devices, then assemble them. A paid 3.5-year training, in a company and at vocational school.
What a precision mechanic does
A precision mechanic machines metal parts by turning, milling, drilling or grinding, often on computer-controlled machines, then assembles, adjusts and checks devices and machines.
Machine
Make parts by turning, milling, drilling or grinding, on computer-controlled machines or by hand.
Assemble and adjust
Assemble the parts, build in electronic measuring and control components, then adjust machines and devices.
Check and maintain
Check the quality of the work, instruct users, maintain and repair precision-mechanical devices.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are precise and careful in making exact parts
- you have manual skill and good hand-eye coordination
- you like understanding how machines work
- you have a feel for technology and manual work
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work in a workshop or a production hall
- you dislike reading drawings and doing calculations
- you are looking for a job with no manual work at all
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Turning and millingCNC programmingMeasuring and checkingAssembling unitsPneumatic controlsMachine maintenancePersonal qualities
PrecisionCareManual skillTechnical senseQuality awarenessHow 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.
Machining basics
- Safety, measuring and checking
- Joining and manual work
- First machined parts
Machine machining
- Machining on machine tools
- Materials and heat treatment
- Part 1 of the final exam
Controls and focus
- Programming CNC machines
- Hydraulic and pneumatic controls
- A chosen specialisation
Commissioning
- Assembly and commissioning
- Maintaining technical systems
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, is a seven-hour practical task (30 % of the mark). Part 2, at the end of training, covers customer order, production technology, function analysis and economics and society (70 %). 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
- Four specialisations to choose from
- Work on modern computer-controlled machines
- Progression to Meister or study possible
Difficulties
- Long training of 3.5 years
- Precision required at every step
- Work mostly in workshops or halls
- The first months in German take effort
Where it can lead
Skilled mechanic
Work at a maker of precision devices, in machine and tool building or in measuring instruments.
Business management
Take a crafts business management course (Betriebswirt nach der Handwerksordnung).
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 specialisations?
What does a precision mechanic 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.