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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Ceramicist (Keramiker/in)

Keramiker / Keramikerin

You shape, decorate and fire clay objects, from tableware to stove tiles: a 3-year training in a craft workshop, with classes at a vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3 years36 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€850 to €1,300gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a ceramicist does

They prepare the clay body, shape the piece on the wheel or in a plaster mould, glaze it and fire it in the kiln until it becomes the finished object.

Shape

Throw round forms on the wheel, model sculptures or cast clay in plaster moulds for repeat pieces.

Decorate

Paint, glaze and decorate raw or bisque-fired pieces from a design, often created by the ceramicist.

Fire and check

Run the firings, monitor the drying and spot defects before the pieces are sold.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
you enjoy drawing and imagining shapes and decorations
you are careful and patient, right down to the details
you are fine with workshop work and the heat of the kiln

Less suitable if…

you cope badly with clay dust and paint fumes
you want an office job with no manual work
you dislike repetitive, meticulous tasks

Advantages

A creative trade that leaves a tangible result
Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
Two options to choose from to specialise
The chance to set up your own workshop

Difficulties

Jobs are mostly in small craft workshops
Heat, dust and fumes in the workshop
No collective pay scale to refer to
Vocational school classes in blocks, sometimes far away

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

07:30

Preparing the clay bodyWeigh the materials, mix the clay body and get it ready for shaping.

09:00

Throwing piecesForm cups, bowls or vases on the wheel, keeping the measurements consistent.

11:00

Finishing and assemblyAttach handles, trim raw pieces and correct small flaws.

13:00

Glazing and decorationApply glazes and patterns to pieces that have already been bisque-fired.

15:00

Loading and firingLoad the kiln, set the temperature rise and follow the firing.

16:30

Checking and tidyingExamine pieces from the kiln, note any defects and clean the workshop.

Technical skills

Throwing and modellingClay body preparationGlazes and slipsSurface decorationKiln operationDrawing and designQuality control

Personal qualities

Eye for detailManual dexterityCreativityPatienceAesthetic sense

The training

How the Ausbildung works, year by year

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.

3 to 4 days a week at the company

1–2 days school

Year 1

The basics

≈ €850gross / month

Safety, tools, organisation
Preparing clay bodies
Shaping simple blanks

Year 2

Surfaces and firing

≈ €1,075gross / month

Glazes, slips and decoration
Drying and firing pieces
Intermediate exam

Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,300gross / month

Two options of your choice
Quality control of pieces
Journeyman's exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: ausbildung.de, fourchette 1ere-derniere annee communiquee par le client ; annee intermediaire estimee par interpolation lineaire, non verifiee independamment sur la page. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification

An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) towards the end of the second year, then the journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung): making a product, producing blanks, technology and design, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued under the authority of the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).

Requirements and prospects

Applying, then moving on

What you need to apply

Education levelBaccalaureate level is required.

German levelThe required level is B2. Good technical vocabulary for the trade is a real plus.

Physical fitnessThe work is done in a workshop, sometimes in heat, with paint fumes and clay dust. Heat-resistant gloves, goggles and sometimes a mask are worn, and shift work is possible.

Documents to prepare

CV and cover letter in German
Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified ceramicistWork in a craft ceramics workshop: tableware, stove tiles, decorative objects.

With experienceMaster ceramicistTake the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.

Longer termStudies or own workshopWith the required entry level, study ceramics or open your own workshop.

Already B2? Take action

Already have German level B2 and looking for a training contract?

Employers in the “Crafts, design and creative trades” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Ceramicist (Keramiker/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Your pathway with Campus Germany

We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany

Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.

Check my eligibility

Take the test

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80 Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Need assistance

Prepare your German

DZK, our language centre

Our own language centre, in Douala. Elsewhere: partner centres, call us.

See the courses

Get the contract

AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

From German A1 to the first day of training in Germany

A pathway in a loopEach step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.

1
Check my eligibility
Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
DZK
Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
AZUFA
It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
AZUFA
It is always us

See the detail of the 8 steps

1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
3. Learn German, from A1 to B2 (DZK)
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
5. Find the company and sign the training contract (AZUFA)
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

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.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
Run by Campus Germany
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.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.

Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.

Occupation brochure

Take this sheet with you

Two documents to read offline or show your family: the 5-page brochure (occupation, training, pay, pathway) and the one-page flyer with the essentials.

Occupation brochure

Occupation brochurePDF, 5 pagesDownload the brochure

Flyer

FlyerPDF, 1 A4 pageDownload the flyer

Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

What German level is required?

Level B2 is required. You do not need perfect German, but you must be able to follow lessons and understand safety instructions.

How long does the training last?

36 months, i.e. 3 years.

Am I paid during the training?

Yes. You receive a monthly pay throughout the training, and it generally increases each year.

Where can I take the eligibility test?

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Where can I learn German?

In Douala, at our language centre DZK. Elsewhere, at our partner language centres: call us to find the nearest one.

How does specialisation work?

After a common core, you choose two options out of six: free throwing, architectural ceramics, decoration, semi-mechanical forming, handles and garnishing, models and moulds.

Where are the vocational school classes held?

The vocational school (Berufsschule) teaches in blocks. Some classes bring together several federal states, for example in Landshut, Montabaur or Meissen.

In the same category

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Ready to find out whether this training 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.

Check my eligibility →Need assistance Write on WhatsApp

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Douala office : Rond-point Maetur Bonamoussadi – Nice Cream building (4th floor), opposite the COGENI hardware store, Douala, Cameroon

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