Mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker/in)
You assemble, programme and maintain machines that combine mechanics, electrics and IT, such as robots: a paid 42-month training in an industrial company.
What a mechatronics technician does
They assemble mechanical, electrical and electronic components into complex systems, commission and programme them, then maintain and repair them using wiring diagrams and drawings.
Assemble
Check the parts, then build mechanical, electrical and electronic components into machines and plant.
Programme
Commission the equipment, programme it or install the software that controls it.
Maintain
Check systems, trace the cause of a fault, repair it and hand the plant back to the customer.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy mechanics, electrics and IT all at once
- you can read wiring diagrams and technical drawings
- you are meticulous when tracing the cause of a fault
- you accept working at different sites, sometimes in shifts
Less suitable if…
- you prefer a single field, for example IT only
- you struggle with the noise of production halls
- you do not accept shift work or on-call duty
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Machine assemblyWiring and electrical testingPLCs and controlsSystem programmingCommissioningMaintenance and repairPersonal qualities
Manual skillLogicCautionRigourTeamworkHow 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
- Measuring, marking, machining, joining
- Installing electrical components
- Safety and documentation
Controls and hardware
- Building controls
- System hardware and software
- Part 1 of the final exam
Complete systems
- Programming systems
- Assembling machines and components
- Fitting and removing plant
Towards the exam
- Adjusting and testing functions
- Commissioning and operation
- 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, covers work on a mechatronic subsystem and counts for 40% of the result. Part 2, at the end of training, comprises a work assignment, work planning, functional analysis and economics and social studies. You obtain the 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 versatile job between mechanics and electronics
- Jobs in machinery, automation and the car industry
- Prospect of an industrial master's qualification or studies
Difficulties
- Three technical fields to master at once
- Noise, protective equipment and physical tasks
- Shift work and on-call duty possible
- A long 42-month training with two exam stages
Where it can lead
Qualified mechatronics technician
Work in machine building, automation, the car industry or medical technology.
Industrial master (Industriemeister)
Take the industrial master's exam in mechatronics to lead a production team.
Studies in mechatronics
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in mechatronics.
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 an additional qualification?
Why is the exam in two parts?
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.