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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Engraver (Graveur/in)

Graveur / Graveurin

You engrave designs, lettering and tools on metal and other materials, by hand or by machine: a 3-year paid training, in a workshop and at a vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,020 to €1,110gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What an engraver does

They work mainly with metals, but also plastic, glass and porcelain: they engrave rings, plaques and stamping tools, by hand or by machine.

Design

Create patterns from a client's request or their own ideas, scan photos and rework files in CAD software.

Engrave

Engrave rings, plaques, stamps and embossing tools with a graver, a machine or a laser.

Finish and check

Matt, polish and colour surfaces and check the shape, colour and quality of the pieces.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you have manual dexterity and precise hand movements
  • you enjoy drawing and creating patterns, letters and ornaments
  • you are very careful and faithful to the drawings you are given
  • you are comfortable with a computer and precision machines

Less suitable if…

  • you cope badly with machine noise and fine dust
  • you dislike work that demands intense concentration
  • you want a job with no drawing or computer work

Advantages

  • A trade where you create personalised pieces
  • A mix of traditional skills and digital techniques
  • Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
  • Option to take the Meister or set up your own workshop

Difficulties

  • Few apprentices: the trade remains very specialised
  • Noise, fine dust and smells in some workshops
  • Constant precision is required, little room for error
  • Openings are mostly in small workshops and industry
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Reading the orderStudy the client's drawing or file and choose the engraving process.
Preparing the workpieceFace, drill or mount the piece to be engraved to the required accuracy.
Machine engravingProgramme the engraving machine or laser to inscribe text and patterns.
Hand engraving with a graverTrace fine lines by hand on a flat or curved surface.
Surface finishingMatt, polish and colour the engravings for the result you want.
Checking and sharpeningInspect the finished piece and maintain or sharpen the engraving tools.

Technical skills

Drawing and CADHand engraving with a graverMachine engravingLaser markingMetalworkingSurface finishingQuality control

Personal qualities

PrecisionDrawing skillsAesthetic sensePatienceObservation 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 of the trade

≈ €1,020gross / month
  • Technical drawing and CAD
  • Metalworking: filing, drilling
  • Safety and tool maintenance
Year 2

Engraving techniques

≈ €1,050gross / month
  • Hand and machine engraving
  • Finishing and decorating surfaces
  • Part 1 of the exam
Year 3

Orders and tools

≈ €1,110gross / month
  • Stamps and embossing tools
  • Reliefs, coins and medals
  • Part 2 of the exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: Bayerisches Tarifregister, août 2026, Tarif Graveur- und Metallbildnerhandwerk. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification
A journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) in two parts. Part 1 in the middle of the second year: making a workpiece (7 hours). Part 2 at the end of the training: a customer order (60 hours), production technology, design, economics and social studies. Qualification: 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 is done in a workshop, with machine noise, fine dust and sometimes smells. Gloves, goggles and an apron are worn depending on the task.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified engraverWork in an engraving workshop, at an industrial tool maker or in a same-day service.
With experienceMaster engraverTake the Meister (master craftsman) exam to run a workshop and train apprentices.
Longer termStudies or own workshopWith the required entry level, study fine arts or open your own engraving workshop.
Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Crafts, design and creative trades” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Engraver (Graveur/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

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?
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.
Can I add a qualification during the training?
Yes: additional qualifications are possible, for example Betriebsassistent/in im Handwerk (business assistant in the crafts) or Europaassistent/in.
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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