Car mechatronics technician (Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker/in)
You service, diagnose and repair vehicles and their electronic systems: a paid 42-month training in a workshop and at vocational school.
What a car mechatronics technician does
They check and repair the mechanical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems of cars using measuring and diagnostic equipment, and increasingly work on electromobility.
Diagnose
Read error codes, measure and analyse engines, chassis systems and driver assistance systems.
Repair
Replace faulty parts, carry out repairs and change oil or brake fluid.
Inspect
Take test drives, check the vehicle meets legal requirements and measure exhaust emissions.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like working out why a car breaks down and getting it working again
- you are careful, because brakes and safety systems depend on your work
- you are comfortable with tools, wiring diagrams and diagnostic equipment
- you enjoy dealing with workshop customers
Less suitable if…
- you cannot cope with workshop noise
- you refuse shift work or on-call duty
- you dislike constantly learning new technologies
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Fault diagnosisElectrical measurementsServicing and repairDriver assistanceElectromobilityStatutory inspectionsPersonal qualities
PrecisionResponsibilityManual skillLogicCustomer contactHow 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.
The basics
- Safety, tools and the vehicle
- Measuring and checking systems
- Servicing and maintenance
Service and measurement
- Wiring diagrams and electrical faults
- Commissioning systems
- Part 1 of the final exam
Diagnostics
- Diagnosing complex faults
- Dismantling, repair, reassembly
- Legal vehicle inspections
Towards the exam
- Fitting and converting equipment
- Complete customer orders
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The exam (Abschluss- or Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, covers a service order (Serviceauftrag) and counts for 35% of the result. Part 2, at the end of training, includes a customer order, vehicle and maintenance technology, diagnostics and economics and social studies. Qualification: Gesellenbrief (HWK) or IHK final certificate.
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
- A hands-on job evolving with electromobility
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed
Difficulties
- Workshop noise and mandatory protective equipment
- Shift work or on-call duty possible
- Increasingly electronic technologies to master
- Heavy responsibility for safety-critical parts
Where it can lead
Skilled worker
Work in a repair workshop or for a vehicle manufacturer.
Master in vehicle technology
Take the Kraftfahrzeugtechnikermeister (master craftsman) exam to lead a team or run a workshop.
Studies or own workshop
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in vehicle engineering; or set up your own workshop.
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 does “Schwerpunkt” mean in this occupation?
Which chamber issues 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.