Metal construction worker (Metallbauer/in)
You make and install gates, facades, canopies and structures in steel or light metal: a paid 42-month training in a craft business, with vocational school.
What a metal construction worker does
They mark out, cut, shape and join metal parts, often as one-off pieces to the customer's wishes, then install them on site and maintain their work.
Fabricate
Mark out sheets, tubes and profiles, cut and shape them, then weld, rivet or bolt the parts together.
Install
Fit doors, facades, locking and security systems on site, or drives for sun-protection systems.
Maintain
Check the structures made, adjust them and restore them when necessary.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy manual work and seeing a structure take shape
- you can read drawings and picture volumes in space
- you are physically fit and have a head for heights
- you accept working on building sites in all weathers
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with noise and carrying heavy loads
- you are afraid of heights and refuse to work on scaffolding
- you do not want to travel for an assembly job
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Reading technical drawingsWelding and thermal cuttingForming sheets and profilesJoining and fixingSurface treatmentInstallation and maintenancePersonal qualities
Manual skillPrecisionSpatial senseStaminaTeamworkHow 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, checking, joining
- Filing, sawing, shaping by hand
- Machine machining
The processes
- Welding and thermal cutting
- Forming sheets and profiles
- Part 1 of the final exam
The specialisation
- Metal or steel structures
- Elements fixed to buildings
- Organising site work
Towards the exam
- Assembling and dismantling structures
- Checking, adjusting, maintaining
- 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 work assignment (Arbeitsauftrag). Part 2, at the end of training, depends on the chosen specialisation: for example a customer order, construction technology and functional analysis, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief from 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 from the first year
- Three possible specialisations within the same trade
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed
Difficulties
- Physical work with heavy loads
- Outdoor building sites in all weathers
- Trips of several days for some assembly jobs
- Workshop noise and mandatory protective equipment
Where it can lead
Journeyman metalworker
Work in a metal construction business or in a building trade such as facade construction.
Master metal construction worker
Take the Metallbauermeister (master craftsman) exam to lead a team or a business.
Studies or own business
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in construction engineering; or set up your own metalwork business.
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 three specialisations?
Is vocational school compulsory?
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.