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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

CNC machinist (Zerspanungsmechaniker/in)

Zerspanungsmechaniker / Zerspanungsmechanikerin

You make precision metal parts on computer-controlled turning, milling and grinding machines: a paid 42-month training in industry.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3.5 years42 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,224 to €1,447gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a CNC machinist does

They make parts for machines, engines or turbines on CNC machines: they enter or call up programs, choose tools, set up and monitor machining, then check dimensions.

Set up

Enter or call up the program, choose tools, clamp the raw workpiece and start the machine.

Machine

Monitor turning, milling or grinding, then take out the finished parts.

Inspect

Check dimensions and surface finish, correct faults, service and repair the machines.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you like precision and parts checked with exactness
you are comfortable with maths and IT applied to machines
you are patient and attentive while a machining job runs
you accept workshop work, sometimes in shifts

Less suitable if…

you struggle with noise, dust and workshop smells
you dislike shift work
you want an outdoor job or one without precision

Advantages

Paid from the first year
Apprentice pay high compared with the crafts sector
Jobs in machine building and the car industry
Prospect of an industrial master's qualification or studies

Difficulties

Noise, dust and smells in workshops
Frequent shift work
Awkward postures and sometimes heavy parts
Constant precision and sustained attention required

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

06:00

Start of shift and handoverThe previous team reports on the state of the machines, then the trainer gives the day's tasks.

06:30

Preparing the machineChoose the tools, clamp the raw workpiece and load the program on the CNC machine.

08:30

Starting and monitoringStart machining, watch the cut and adjust parameters if the part drifts.

10:00

Checking measurementsMeasure the part, compare it with the drawing and note deviations in the inspection record.

11:30

Investigating an anomalyFind the cause of a surface defect or a vibration and suggest a correction.

13:00

Maintaining the machineClean, lubricate and inspect the machine so it stays reliable and safe.

Technical skills

CNC programmingTurning and millingGrindingReading technical drawingsInspection and measurementMachine maintenance

Personal qualities

PrecisionResponsibilityAttentionTechnical understandingCoordination

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

≈ €1,224gross / month

Materials, tools and safety
Manual and machine machining
Reading drawings, measuring

Year 2

CNC controls

≈ €1,284gross / month

Controls and programming
Making parts with machines
Part 1 of the final exam

Year 3

Complete jobs

≈ €1,371gross / month

Handling machining orders
Quality control, fault-finding
Machine maintenance

Year 4 (6 months)

Towards the exam

≈ €1,447gross / month

A complete work assignment
Functional analysis, repair
Part 2 of the final exam

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

Exams and qualification

The final exam (Abschlussprüfung) has two parts. Part 1, before the end of the second year, counts for 40% of the result. Part 2, at the end of training, counts for 60%: work assignment, order and function analysis, manufacturing technology, economics and social studies. You obtain the 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 production halls with noise, dust, fumes and smells; it can demand good physical fitness (awkward postures, replacing heavy parts) and sometimes shift work.

Documents to prepare

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

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled CNC machinistWork in machine building, precision machining or vehicle manufacturing.

With experienceIndustrial master (Industriemeister)Take the industrial master's exam in metalworking to lead a production team.

Longer termStudies in mechanical engineeringWith university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.

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 “CNC machinist (Zerspanungsmechaniker/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Free registration on AZUFA.

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 “Einsatzgebiet” mean in this training?

It is the area of assignment set by the company: automatic lathe, turning, milling or grinding systems. The training is common to these areas.

Are there additional qualifications?

Yes: for example process integration, additive manufacturing or IT-supported plant modification, with an exam recognised throughout Germany.

In the same category

Other trainings: Industry, metalworking and mechanics

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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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