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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Car mechatronics technician (Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker/in)

Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker / Kraftfahrzeugmechatronikerin

You service, diagnose and repair vehicles and their electronic systems: a paid 42-month training in a workshop and at vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3.5 years42 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,090 to €1,285gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a car mechatronics technician does

They check and repair the mechanical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems of cars using measuring and diagnostic equipment, and increasingly work on electromobility.

Diagnose

Read error codes, measure and analyse engines, chassis systems and driver assistance systems.

Repair

Replace faulty parts, carry out repairs and change oil or brake fluid.

Inspect

Take test drives, check the vehicle meets legal requirements and measure exhaust emissions.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you like working out why a car breaks down and getting it working again
you are careful, because brakes and safety systems depend on your work
you are comfortable with tools, wiring diagrams and diagnostic equipment
you enjoy dealing with workshop customers

Less suitable if…

you cannot cope with workshop noise
you refuse shift work or on-call duty
you dislike constantly learning new technologies

Advantages

Paid from the first year
A hands-on job evolving with electromobility
Qualification recognised throughout Germany
Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed

Difficulties

Workshop noise and mandatory protective equipment
Shift work or on-call duty possible
Increasingly electronic technologies to master
Heavy responsibility for safety-critical parts

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

07:30

Start of shift and job ordersThe trainer assigns the day's vehicles and reminds you of the workshop safety rules.

08:15

Reading the fault memoryConnect the diagnostic device, read the error codes and note down the customer's comments.

09:30

Measurements on the systemMeasure voltages and pressures, compare them with reference values and identify the faulty component.

11:00

Replacing a partRemove the faulty part, fit the new one and tighten the bolts as specified.

13:30

Check before handoverTake a test drive, check brakes and lights, then record the results of the inspection.

15:30

Report to the customerExplain the work done and the parts replaced, then complete the workshop file.

Technical skills

Fault diagnosisElectrical measurementsServicing and repairDriver assistanceElectromobilityStatutory inspections

Personal qualities

PrecisionResponsibilityManual skillLogicCustomer contact

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

≈ €1,090gross / month

Safety, tools and the vehicle
Measuring and checking systems
Servicing and maintenance

Year 2

Service and measurement

≈ €1,148gross / month

Wiring diagrams and electrical faults
Commissioning systems
Part 1 of the final exam

Year 3

Diagnostics

≈ €1,222gross / month

Diagnosing complex faults
Dismantling, repair, reassembly
Legal vehicle inspections

Year 4 (6 months)

Towards the exam

≈ €1,285gross / month

Fitting and converting equipment
Complete customer orders
Part 2 of the final exam

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

Exams and qualification

The exam (Abschluss- or Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, covers a service order (Serviceauftrag) and counts for 35% of the result. Part 2, at the end of training, includes a customer order, vehicle and maintenance technology, diagnostics and economics and social studies. Qualification: Gesellenbrief (HWK) or IHK final certificate.

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 noisy workshops with protective equipment (gloves, goggles, safety shoes), sometimes in shifts or with on-call duty.

Documents to prepare

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

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled workerWork in a repair workshop or for a vehicle manufacturer.

With experienceMaster in vehicle technologyTake the Kraftfahrzeugtechnikermeister (master craftsman) exam to lead a team or run a workshop.

Longer termStudies or own workshopWith university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in vehicle engineering; or set up your own workshop.

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 “Car mechatronics technician (Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker/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

Stay informed

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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?

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 does “Schwerpunkt” mean in this occupation?

It is the specialisation: passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, systems and high-voltage, or bodywork. Each has its own training content.

Which chamber issues the qualification?

Depending on the company, the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). The exam follows the same training regulation in both cases.

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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