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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Orthopaedic technician (Orthopädietechnik-Mechaniker/in)

Orthopädietechnik-Mechaniker / Orthopädietechnik-Mechanikerin

You make prostheses, orthoses and mobility aids fitted to each patient: a paid 3-year training combining workshop work and contact with patients.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3 years36 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,000 to €1,200gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What an orthopaedic technician does

They make and fit prostheses, orthoses, supports and rehabilitation aids. They measure the patient, draw, model, work metal, plastic, wood or textiles, then adjust the device and explain how to use it.

Measure and advise

Assess the patient's needs, take measurements and choose the right technical aid together.

Make

Model and work metal, plastic, wood or textiles to create prostheses, orthoses and supports.

Fit

Adjust the device on the patient, explain how to use it and carry out repairs and maintenance.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you are good with your hands and enjoy working with varied materials
you are careful when taking precise measurements
you like advising patients with kindness
you have an eye for fitting a device to a body

Less suitable if…

you cannot cope with workshop machine noise
you do not want work that is both manual and people-facing
you refuse to work occasionally on Saturdays

Advantages

Paid training from the first year
Useful work that directly helps patients
Three specialisations to choose from
Meister, studies or self-employment possible

Difficulties

Machine noise in the workshop
Protective equipment compulsory (mask, gloves, ear defenders)
Saturday work possible
Work that is technical, manual and people-facing

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

08:00

Briefing and ordersThe trainer allocates the day's devices and reminds you of the workshop safety rules.

08:30

Taking measurementsYou measure a patient and take a cast of a limb to prepare the device.

10:30

Making a modelYou shape a positive model from the cast, by hand or with a digital tool.

13:00

Working materialsYou cut, shape and assemble plastic, metal or textiles using machines and by hand.

15:00

Fitting with the patientYou adjust the orthosis on the patient and explain how to use and care for it.

16:30

Repair and tidyingYou service a device already delivered, then clean the workshop and put tools away.

Technical skills

Measuring and castingModel makingMetal and plastic workMaking prosthesesFitting orthosesSupports and compressionPatient advice

Personal qualities

Manual dexterityPrecisionEmpathyObservationPeople skills

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

≈ €1,000gross / month

Tools, materials, safety
Technical drawings and measuring
Manual and machine work

Year 2

Technique

≈ €1,100gross / month

Casts and models
Making components
Exam part 1

Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,200gross / month

Prosthetics, orthotics or rehab
Designing a device
Part 2 of the final exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: ausbildung.de, recommandation du BIV-OT (Bundesinnungsverband für Orthopädie-Technik), à partir de 2026, non contraignante (pas de convention collective nationale dans ce métier). These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification

The Gesellenprüfung (journeyman's exam) has two parts. Part 1, at the end of the second year, covers making orthopaedic aids from a model and materials and manufacturing technology. Part 2 covers designing a device to a patient's measurements, treatment options and economics. Qualification: the Gesellenbrief, through 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 fitnessYou work in the workshop, sometimes with machine noise, and at customers' premises; you wear protection (mask, gloves, ear defenders). Saturday 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 orthopaedic technicianJobs in orthopaedic workshops, medical supply stores, hospitals or with manufacturers.

With experienceAdditional qualificationsExtend your training, for example in computer-aided design or workshop management.

Longer termMeister, studies or own workshopTake the Meister, study orthopaedic and rehabilitation technology with a baccalaureate, or open your own workshop.

Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Health and well-being” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Orthopaedic technician (Orthopädietechnik-Mechaniker/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?

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.

What are the three specialisations?

Prosthetics, individual orthotics and individual rehabilitation technology. You choose the specialisation during training, and the final exam takes it into account.

What is a “Gesellenbrief”?

It is the qualification obtained at the end of a crafts training. It certifies that you are a skilled worker in the trade.

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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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