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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Precision mechanic (Feinwerkmechaniker/in)

Feinwerkmechaniker / Feinwerkmechanikerin

You make precise metal parts for machines and devices, then assemble them. A paid 3.5-year training, in a company and at vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3.5 years42 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,032 to €1,255gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a precision mechanic does

A precision mechanic machines metal parts by turning, milling, drilling or grinding, often on computer-controlled machines, then assembles, adjusts and checks devices and machines.

Machine

Make parts by turning, milling, drilling or grinding, on computer-controlled machines or by hand.

Assemble and adjust

Assemble the parts, build in electronic measuring and control components, then adjust machines and devices.

Check and maintain

Check the quality of the work, instruct users, maintain and repair precision-mechanical devices.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you are precise and careful in making exact parts
  • you have manual skill and good hand-eye coordination
  • you like understanding how machines work
  • you have a feel for technology and manual work

Less suitable if…

  • you do not want to work in a workshop or a production hall
  • you dislike reading drawings and doing calculations
  • you are looking for a job with no manual work at all

Advantages

  • Paid training from the first year
  • Four specialisations to choose from
  • Work on modern computer-controlled machines
  • Progression to Meister or study possible

Difficulties

  • Long training of 3.5 years
  • Precision required at every step
  • Work mostly in workshops or halls
  • The first months in German take effort
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Instructions and drawingsThe trainer presents the day's jobs and the drawings of the parts to be made.
Setting up the machinePrepare a machine tool, fit the tools and clamp the workpiece before machining.
Machining a partTurn, mill or drill a metal part, keeping to the dimensions on the drawing.
Measuring and checkingCheck the part's dimensions with measuring instruments and record the results.
Assembling a unitAssemble several parts into a sub-assembly and build in a measuring or control component.
Testing and tidying upTest how the unit works, correct the settings, then tidy the workstation.

Technical skills

Turning and millingCNC programmingMeasuring and checkingAssembling unitsPneumatic controlsMachine maintenance

Personal qualities

PrecisionCareManual skillTechnical senseQuality awareness
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

Machining basics

≈ €1,032gross / month
  • Safety, measuring and checking
  • Joining and manual work
  • First machined parts
Year 2

Machine machining

≈ €1,104gross / month
  • Machining on machine tools
  • Materials and heat treatment
  • Part 1 of the final exam
Year 3

Controls and focus

≈ €1,183gross / month
  • Programming CNC machines
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic controls
  • A chosen specialisation
Year 4 (6 months)

Commissioning

≈ €1,255gross / month
  • Assembly and commissioning
  • Maintaining technical systems
  • Part 2 of the final exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: BIBB 2025, moyenne nationale. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, is a seven-hour practical task (30 % of the mark). Part 2, at the end of training, covers customer order, production technology, function analysis and economics and society (70 %). You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued by 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 takes place in workshops, production halls, measuring labs or at a computer, sometimes at customers' premises: it demands skill, hand-eye coordination and care.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled mechanicWork at a maker of precision devices, in machine and tool building or in measuring instruments.
With experienceBusiness managementTake a crafts business management course (Betriebswirt nach der Handwerksordnung).
Longer termMeister or universityWork towards the Meister (master craftsman), which also allows study without the general baccalaureate.
Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Industry, metalworking and mechanics” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Precision mechanic (Feinwerkmechaniker/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.

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Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+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.

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AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

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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. 1

    Check my eligibility

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  2. 2

    Talk to an advisor

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  3. 3

    Learn German, from A1 to B2

    DZKDZK
    Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
  4. 4

    Prepare the application file

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  5. 5

    Find the company and sign the training contract

    AZUFAAZUFA
    It is always us
  6. 6

    Prepare the visa and paperwork

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  7. 7

    Prepare your departure and settling in

    KAGEDEV e.V.KAGEDEV e.V.
  8. 8

    First day of training in Germany

    AZUFAAZUFA
    It is always us
See the detail of the 8 steps
  1. 1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
    The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
  2. 2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
    Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
  3. 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. 4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
    CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
  5. 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. 6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
    Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
  7. 7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
    Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
  8. 8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
    You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
  1. 1

    Check my eligibility

    The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  2. 2

    Talk to an advisor

    Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  3. 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.

    DZKRun by DZK · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
  4. 4

    Prepare the application file

    CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  5. 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.

    AZUFARun by AZUFA · It is always us
  6. 6

    Prepare the visa and paperwork

    Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  7. 7

    Prepare your departure and settling in

    Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.

    KAGEDEV e.V.Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
  8. 8

    First day of training in Germany

    You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

    AZUFARun by AZUFA · It is always us

Stay informed

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFA
AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
See AZUFA
DZK
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
See the offer
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?
42 months, i.e. 3.5 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.
What are the specialisations?
After common content, training continues in one specialisation: machine building, precision mechanics, tool making or machining technology.
What does a precision mechanic apprentice earn?
In 2025 the national collective-agreement average from BIBB is €1,032 per month in the first year, then €1,104, €1,183 and €1,255 in the fourth year (gross).
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 assistanceWrite 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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