Joiner / cabinetmaker (Tischler/in)
You make and install wooden furniture, doors, windows and stairs, often as one-off pieces: a paid 3-year training in a joinery workshop and at vocational school.
What a joiner does
They advise the customer on their interior, draw up a design, then saw, plane, sand and join wood and boards before installing on site and repairing damaged furniture.
Design
Advise the customer on their interior, draw up designs and prepare sample pieces.
Make
Saw, plane, sand, veneer and treat wood, then join the parts with screws or glue.
Install
Fit windows, stairs and doors, lay parquet floors, install built-in furniture and wall panelling.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy working with wood and making useful objects
- you are careful and respect measurements to the millimetre
- you have a sense of beauty and like to suggest ideas
- you enjoy contact with customers and building sites
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with noise and wood dust
- you dislike working near dangerous machines
- you refuse assembly trips to building sites
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Working wood and boardsDrawing and designManual and machine workSurface finishingFitting and installationFurniture repairPersonal qualities
Manual skillPrecisionCreativityCautionCustomer 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 machines
- Sawing, planing, joining wood
- Simple drawings and plans
Making
- Making parts and furniture
- Surface treatment
- Intermediate exam
Independence
- Complete customer orders
- Installation and after-sales service
- Journeyman's exam
Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place before the end of the second year. The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) comprises two practical tasks of equal weight (the second of up to 100 hours, with a technical discussion) and written papers. 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 hands-on job with visible results
- Qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed
Difficulties
- Noise and wood dust in the workshop
- Apprentice pay lower than in industry
- Assembly trips and shift work possible
- Dangerous machines: constant vigilance
Where it can lead
Journeyman joiner
Work for a furniture or wood-product manufacturer, or in a building joinery.
Master joiner (Tischlermeister)
Take the master craftsman exam to lead a team, train apprentices or take over a workshop.
Studies or own workshop
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in wood technology; or set up your own joinery.
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?
Does a joiner only work in a workshop?
How does the final exam work?
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.