CNC machinist (Zerspanungsmechaniker/in)
You make precision metal parts on computer-controlled turning, milling and grinding machines: a paid 42-month training in industry.
What a CNC machinist does
They make parts for machines, engines or turbines on CNC machines: they enter or call up programs, choose tools, set up and monitor machining, then check dimensions.
Set up
Enter or call up the program, choose tools, clamp the raw workpiece and start the machine.
Machine
Monitor turning, milling or grinding, then take out the finished parts.
Inspect
Check dimensions and surface finish, correct faults, service and repair the machines.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like precision and parts checked with exactness
- you are comfortable with maths and IT applied to machines
- you are patient and attentive while a machining job runs
- you accept workshop work, sometimes in shifts
Less suitable if…
- you struggle with noise, dust and workshop smells
- you dislike shift work
- you want an outdoor job or one without precision
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
CNC programmingTurning and millingGrindingReading technical drawingsInspection and measurementMachine maintenancePersonal qualities
PrecisionResponsibilityAttentionTechnical understandingCoordinationHow 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
- Materials, tools and safety
- Manual and machine machining
- Reading drawings, measuring
CNC controls
- Controls and programming
- Making parts with machines
- Part 1 of the final exam
Complete jobs
- Handling machining orders
- Quality control, fault-finding
- Machine maintenance
Towards the exam
- A complete work assignment
- Functional analysis, repair
- 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, counts for 40% of the result. Part 2, at the end of training, counts for 60%: work assignment, order and function analysis, manufacturing technology, 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
- Apprentice pay high compared with the crafts sector
- Jobs in machine building and the car industry
- Prospect of an industrial master's qualification or studies
Difficulties
- Noise, dust and smells in workshops
- Frequent shift work
- Awkward postures and sometimes heavy parts
- Constant precision and sustained attention required
Where it can lead
Skilled CNC machinist
Work in machine building, precision machining or vehicle manufacturing.
Industrial master (Industriemeister)
Take the industrial master's exam in metalworking to lead a production team.
Studies in mechanical engineering
With university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.
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 “Einsatzgebiet” mean in this training?
Are there additional qualifications?
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.