Glass apparatus maker (Glasapparatebauer/in)
You make, repair and modify glass apparatus for laboratories and research. A paid 3-year training, in a company and at vocational school.
What a glass apparatus maker does
A glass apparatus maker builds special apparatus from technical drawings: they heat glass tubes and rods, shape them, then fuse them together and check manufacturing tolerances.
Hot working
Heat glass tubes and rods, then bend, draw, cut or blow them into shape.
Cold working
Cut, grind, drill and mill semi-finished glass and blanks, then fuse the parts together.
Check and repair
Check tolerances and glass stress, repair and modify existing apparatus.
This occupation is for you if…
- you work with great care on fragile pieces
- you have the skill to cut, grind or drill workpieces
- you have good spatial awareness for reading drawings
- you have a feel for technology to maintain tools and machines
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work in a workshop with flames and hot pieces
- you dislike mathematics, physics and chemistry
- you are impatient and dislike meticulous work
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Hot glass workingCold glass workingReading technical drawingsFusing glass partsMeasuring and checkingTool maintenancePersonal qualities
CareManual skillSpatial awarenessTechnical sensePatienceHow 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.
Glass basics
- Sketches and production drawings
- Planning and preparing work
- Cutting glass, first hot work
Glass techniques
- Hot working by hand and machine
- Cold working of glass parts
- Intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung)
Complete apparatus
- Making glass apparatus
- Measuring, checking, repairing
- Final exam (Gesellenprüfung)
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place in the fourth half-year: two practical tasks with a technical discussion, and a written part on glass properties. The final exam has five areas, including making a test piece (a glass apparatus). You obtain the Gesellenbrief (HWK) or the final certificate (IHK), depending on the competent chamber.
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 in a company
- A highly technical trade serving science
- Three types of glass to work with
- Progression to Meister possible
Difficulties
- Meticulous work on fragile pieces
- Hot work that requires great care
- Specialised employers: workshops, universities, research
- The first months in German take effort
Where it can lead
Skilled apparatus maker
Work in a scientific glassware company, at a university or a research centre with a glass workshop.
More demanding work
Deepen a field: borosilicate glass, quartz glass or soft glass, depending on the company.
Meister or manager
Work towards the Meister (master craftsman) or a crafts business management course.
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
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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?
Which types of glass do you work with?
Who awards the qualification?
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.