Orthopaedic technician (Orthopädietechnik-Mechaniker/in)
You make prostheses, orthoses and mobility aids fitted to each patient: a paid 3-year training combining workshop work and contact with patients.
What an orthopaedic technician does
They make and fit prostheses, orthoses, supports and rehabilitation aids. They measure the patient, draw, model, work metal, plastic, wood or textiles, then adjust the device and explain how to use it.
Measure and advise
Assess the patient's needs, take measurements and choose the right technical aid together.
Make
Model and work metal, plastic, wood or textiles to create prostheses, orthoses and supports.
Fit
Adjust the device on the patient, explain how to use it and carry out repairs and maintenance.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are good with your hands and enjoy working with varied materials
- you are careful when taking precise measurements
- you like advising patients with kindness
- you have an eye for fitting a device to a body
Less suitable if…
- you cannot cope with workshop machine noise
- you do not want work that is both manual and people-facing
- you refuse to work occasionally on Saturdays
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Measuring and castingModel makingMetal and plastic workMaking prosthesesFitting orthosesSupports and compressionPatient advicePersonal qualities
Manual dexterityPrecisionEmpathyObservationPeople skillsHow 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
- Tools, materials, safety
- Technical drawings and measuring
- Manual and machine work
Technique
- Casts and models
- Making components
- Exam part 1
Specialisation
- Prosthetics, orthotics or rehab
- Designing a device
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The Gesellenprüfung (journeyman's exam) has two parts. Part 1, at the end of the second year, covers making orthopaedic aids from a model and materials and manufacturing technology. Part 2 covers designing a device to a patient's measurements, treatment options and economics. Qualification: the Gesellenbrief, through the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
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 training from the first year
- Useful work that directly helps patients
- Three specialisations to choose from
- Meister, studies or self-employment possible
Difficulties
- Machine noise in the workshop
- Protective equipment compulsory (mask, gloves, ear defenders)
- Saturday work possible
- Work that is technical, manual and people-facing
Where it can lead
Qualified orthopaedic technician
Jobs in orthopaedic workshops, medical supply stores, hospitals or with manufacturers.
Additional qualifications
Extend your training, for example in computer-aided design or workshop management.
Meister, studies or own workshop
Take the Meister, study orthopaedic and rehabilitation technology with a baccalaureate, or open your own workshop.
Other trainings: Health and well-being
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?
What is a “Gesellenbrief”?
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.