Stonemason and stone sculptor (Steinmetz/in und Steinbildhauer/in)
You cut, shape and install natural stone for stairs, floors, facades and memorials: a paid 3-year training in a craft business.
What a stonemason does
They advise customers on form and material, draw, saw and polish stone by machine or by hand, then transport and install it; in restoration, they repair historic work.
Design
Advise the customer, choose the stone, make sketches and digital drawings before cutting.
Cut
Saw, grind and shape blocks of natural or artificial stone, by machine or by hand.
Install and restore
Fit floors, stairs or gravestones, and repair or clean historic structures.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy manual work and raw material taking shape
- you have a sense of aesthetics and creativity
- you like drawing, reading plans and setting up machines
- you accept working in a workshop as well as outdoors
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with noise and stone dust
- you dislike working outdoors in all weathers
- you want a job without manual work or precision
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Natural stone cuttingDrawing and digital designSawing and polishingEngraving texts and ornamentsLaying slabs and facadesRestoring structuresPersonal qualities
Manual skillCreativityPrecisionCautionSense of aestheticsHow 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
- Organising your workstation
- Tools, machines and safety
- Cutting blocks and slabs
Forms and surfaces
- Profiles, inlays, inscriptions
- Elements in mineral materials
- Intermediate exam
The specialisation
- Laying floors, stairs, facades
- Memorials and restoration
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place at the end of the second year: making a piece in natural stone. The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) follows at the end of training, with five areas including a customer order, design and installation. 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
- A craft that is both artistic and constructional
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Work on lasting, visible structures
Difficulties
- Noise and stone dust every day
- Sometimes outdoor work in all weathers
- Precision needed: a cutting error is hard to put right
- Weeks of training at external centres
Where it can lead
Journeyman stonemason
Work in a stone or memorial workshop, or in a restoration company.
Master stonemason
Take the master craftsman exam for stonemasons and stone sculptors to run a business.
Studies or own business
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in civil engineering; or set up your own 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 two specialisations?
Are there courses outside the company?
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.