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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Saddler (Sattler/in)

Sattler / Sattlerin

You work leather and textiles to make saddles, bags or vehicle upholstery: a 3-year training, with a choice between three specialisations.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€740 to €930gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a saddler does

They cut, sew, glue and assemble leather, fabric and synthetic materials to make or repair items, depending on the chosen specialisation: vehicles, riding or fine leather goods.

Vehicle upholstery

Make and repair interior trim, hoods and tarpaulins for all types of vehicles.

Riding equipment

Measure the horse, then make saddles, bridles and harnesses in leather to order.

Fine leather goods

Make handbags, wallets or suitcases, as one-off pieces or in small runs.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you have manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
  • you enjoy working leather and fabric with precise tools
  • you are careful, including with visible stitching
  • you like advising a client and meeting their request

Less suitable if…

  • you cope badly with machine noise and the smell of glue or leather
  • you dislike meticulous work that takes time
  • you dislike sometimes working outdoors or in a stable

Advantages

  • A hands-on trade combining leather, sewing and design
  • Three specialisations: vehicles, riding, leather goods
  • Qualification recognised throughout the country
  • Option to take the Meister or open your own workshop

Difficulties

  • Machine noise and the smell of glue or leather
  • Jobs are split between small workshops and industry
  • Shift work in industry, Saturdays are possible
  • Your choice of specialisation narrows openings at first
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Reading the orderStudy the client's request and measurements and choose the right leather or fabric.
Patterns and cuttingDraw the patterns, then cut the leather or fabric with a knife or a machine.
Skiving the edgesThin and prepare the leather edges before joining them.
Sewing and assemblyJoin the parts by machine or by hand, by stitching, gluing or riveting.
Fitting and adding fittingsFit the upholstery, buckles or fastenings to the piece.
Checking and presentingCheck the stitching and finish, then present the piece to the client.

Technical skills

Cutting leather and fabricPattern makingMachine sewingHand sewingUpholstering and fittingFitting hardwareClient advice

Personal qualities

Manual dexterityPrecisionAesthetic sensePatienceClient focus
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

≈ €740gross / month
  • Leather, fabrics and tools
  • Patterns and cutting
  • Basic sewing and gluing
Year 2

Your specialisation

≈ €830gross / month
  • Making in your specialisation
  • Repairs and alterations
  • Intermediate exam
Year 3

Complete orders

≈ €930gross / month
  • Client orders on your own
  • Advice and cost estimates
  • Final exam

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: ausbildung.de, tarif du Raumausstatter- und Sattlerhandwerk (convention collective de la sellerie-maroquinerie), valeurs directes non moyennées, ausbildung.de. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) before the end of the second year: a task of up to 6 hours. Then the final exam: a practical part of up to 16 hours with a 20-minute discussion, and a written part. Qualification: Gesellenbrief (Chamber of Crafts, HWK) or IHK certificate, depending on the company.
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 and smells, sometimes outdoors for fitting or in a stable. A mask and ear protection are worn as needed.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified saddlerWork in a saddlery, the leather industry, at a car supplier or in a restoration workshop.
With experienceMaster saddler and leather makerTake the Meister (master craftsman) exam for saddlers and leather goods makers to run a workshop.
Longer termStudies or own workshopWith the required entry level, study textile and clothing technology or open your own 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 “Saddler (Sattler/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?
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?
You choose between vehicle upholstery (Fahrzeugsattlerei), riding equipment (Reitsportsattlerei) and fine leather goods (Feintäschnerei).
In the same category

Other trainings: Crafts, design and creative trades

All trainings →
Maßschneider/MaßschneiderinTailleur / Tailleuse sur mesure36 monthsGold- und Silberschmied/Gold- und SilberschmiedinOrfèvre (or et argent)42 monthsFachkraft für VeranstaltungstechnikAgent / Agente qualifié(e) de technique événementielle36 monthsFleischer/FleischerinBoucher / Bouchère36 monthsBäcker/BäckerinBoulanger / Boulangère36 monthsFriseur/FriseurinCoiffeur / Coiffeuse36 months

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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