Industrial mechanic (Industriemechaniker/in)
You build, install, adjust and maintain machines and production equipment. A paid 3.5-year training, in a company and at vocational school.
What an industrial mechanic does
An industrial mechanic organises and monitors production processes. They build machines or production lines, commission them, then maintain and repair them.
Build and install
Assemble machines or production equipment, link them into networks and commission them.
Set up production
In production engineering, set up and convert machines, then control the manufacturing processes.
Maintain and repair
Choose testing equipment, find the cause of a fault and replace a defective or worn part.
This occupation is for you if…
- you have manual skill and good hand-eye coordination
- you like understanding and maintaining machines
- you work carefully, for example to align and clamp parts
- you are physically fit enough to lift heavy parts
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work in a workshop or a production hall
- you dislike calculations, drawings and control technology
- you cannot stand carrying or moving heavy parts
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Making componentsAssembling machinesControl technologyPreventive maintenanceFault findingQuality controlPersonal qualities
Manual skillCareTechnical senseSense of responsibilityPhysical fitnessHow 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.
Mechanical basics
- Materials and making parts
- Maintaining work equipment
- Basic control technology
Making and controls
- Manual and machine making
- Assembly with a control function
- Part 1 of the final exam
Technical systems
- Assembling and dismantling systems
- Ensuring operational readiness
- Maintaining technical systems
Field of deployment
- Electrical control components
- Processes and quality assurance
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam (Abschlussprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, is making an assembly with a control function (eight hours at most). Part 2, at the end of training, covers a work order, analysis, production technology and economics and society. You obtain the final certificate from 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 training from the first year
- A trade found in almost all industry
- Four fields of deployment possible
- Progression to Industriemeister or technician
Difficulties
- Long training of 3.5 years
- Physical work with heavy parts
- Safety and precision required at all times
- The first months in German take effort
Where it can lead
Skilled mechanic
Work in companies in almost all production sectors.
Industriemeister, metal
Take the Geprüfter Industriemeister Metall (certified industrial master, metal) at the IHK to lead production teams.
Industrial technician
Take a technician course (Industrietechniker Maschinenbau) or move into design.
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 possible fields of deployment?
What does an industrial 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.