Railway operator, train driver (Eisenbahner/in im Betriebsdienst)
You drive trains and shunt wagons to carry passengers and freight: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in railway companies.
What a railway operator (train driver) does
They shunt wagons and vehicles, then drive traction units on regional, long-distance or freight lines, after checking the equipment and brakes.
Check equipment
Check traction units before and after the trip, including a brake test.
Shunt
Assemble and move wagons and vehicles in stations and marshalling yards.
Drive
Drive a passenger or freight train while following signals, the route and instructions.
This occupation is for you if…
- you stay alert for a long time and react quickly to signals
- you have a sense of responsibility for other people's safety
- you accept shift work, night work and weekends
- you are interested in how trains work technically
Less suitable if…
- you cannot cope with night or weekend working hours
- you dislike following very strict safety rules
- you find it hard to stay focused for long hours
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Driving traction unitsBrake testingShunting wagonsRailway signallingHandling disruptionsRadio communicationPersonal qualities
AlertnessQuick reactionsComposureSense of responsibilityRigourHow 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 railway system
- Safety and railway rules
- Vehicles and infrastructure
- Signalling basics
Operations
- Brake checks and testing
- Shunting and driving trains
- Exam in the 4th semester
Disrupted operations
- Operating in disrupted conditions
- Freight and passenger transport
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
There is no intermediate exam: the final exam is spread over two parts. Part 1 takes place in the 4th semester (written test and a practical task followed by a technical discussion); part 2 takes place at the end of training. You obtain the Abschlusszeugnis of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
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 1st year
- Technical job with a lot of responsibility
- IHK certificate, several Fortbildungen available
- Varied work: freight, passengers, shunting
Difficulties
- Shift work, nights and weekends
- Medical fitness to pass and to keep
- Constant alertness required
- Very strict safety regulations
Where it can lead
Shunting or train driver
Jobs in rail passenger or freight transport, in shunting or in driving.
Fachwirt für den Bahnbetrieb
Fortbildung as a railway operations specialist for organisational tasks.
Meister für Bahnverkehr
Fortbildung as a rail transport master to lead teams.
Other trainings: Transport and logistics
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?
Is there a medical examination to become a driver?
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.