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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Metal construction worker (Metallbauer/in)

Metallbauer / Metallbauerin

You make and install gates, facades, canopies and structures in steel or light metal: a paid 42-month training in a craft business, with vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3.5 years42 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€968 to €1,204gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a metal construction worker does

They mark out, cut, shape and join metal parts, often as one-off pieces to the customer's wishes, then install them on site and maintain their work.

Fabricate

Mark out sheets, tubes and profiles, cut and shape them, then weld, rivet or bolt the parts together.

Install

Fit doors, facades, locking and security systems on site, or drives for sun-protection systems.

Maintain

Check the structures made, adjust them and restore them when necessary.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you enjoy manual work and seeing a structure take shape
  • you can read drawings and picture volumes in space
  • you are physically fit and have a head for heights
  • you accept working on building sites in all weathers

Less suitable if…

  • you struggle with noise and carrying heavy loads
  • you are afraid of heights and refuse to work on scaffolding
  • you do not want to travel for an assembly job

Advantages

  • Paid from the first year
  • Three possible specialisations within the same trade
  • Qualification recognised throughout Germany
  • Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed

Difficulties

  • Physical work with heavy loads
  • Outdoor building sites in all weathers
  • Trips of several days for some assembly jobs
  • Workshop noise and mandatory protective equipment
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Start of shift and instructionsThe trainer assigns the jobs and reminds you of the protective equipment to wear.
Reading the drawing and marking outTransfer the dimensions from the technical drawing onto the sheet or profile before cutting.
Cutting and shapingCut the parts by machine or by hand, then bend or curve them to the required shape.
Assembly by weldingWeld or bolt the elements together, wearing welding goggles and shield, and check dimensions.
Surface protectionTreat the parts against corrosion before they leave for the building site.
Installation on siteFix an element to the building with the team, following the rules for working at height.

Technical skills

Reading technical drawingsWelding and thermal cuttingForming sheets and profilesJoining and fixingSurface treatmentInstallation and maintenance

Personal qualities

Manual skillPrecisionSpatial senseStaminaTeamwork
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

≈ €968gross / month
  • Measuring, checking, joining
  • Filing, sawing, shaping by hand
  • Machine machining
Year 2

The processes

≈ €1,045gross / month
  • Welding and thermal cutting
  • Forming sheets and profiles
  • Part 1 of the final exam
Year 3

The specialisation

≈ €1,142gross / month
  • Metal or steel structures
  • Elements fixed to buildings
  • Organising site work
Year 4 (6 months)

Towards the exam

≈ €1,204gross / month
  • Assembling and dismantling structures
  • Checking, adjusting, maintaining
  • 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 journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, is a work assignment (Arbeitsauftrag). Part 2, at the end of training, depends on the chosen specialisation: for example a customer order, construction technology and functional analysis, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief from 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 fitnessGood physical fitness is expected: lifting heavy parts, a head for heights to work on scaffolding, workshop noise and building sites in all weathers.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayJourneyman metalworkerWork in a metal construction business or in a building trade such as facade construction.
With experienceMaster metal construction workerTake the Metallbauermeister (master craftsman) exam to lead a team or a business.
Longer termStudies or own businessWith university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in construction engineering; or set up your own metalwork business.
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 “Metal construction worker (Metallbauer/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.

Take the test
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.

See the courses
Get the contract

AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

Go to AZUFA

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

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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 three specialisations?
Konstruktionstechnik (construction work), Metallgestaltung (creative metalwork) and Nutzfahrzeugbau (commercial vehicles). Content and the final exam depend on the specialisation.
Is vocational school compulsory?
Yes, the training is dual: company plus vocational school (Berufsschule), with classes one or two days a week or in blocks.
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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