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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems mechanic (Anlagenmechaniker SHK)

Anlagenmechaniker für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik / Anlagenmechanikerin für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik

You install and service sanitary systems, heating, ventilation and heat pumps: a paid training of three and a half years for a versatile technical trade.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3.5 years42 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€927 to €1,140gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems mechanic does

They install water and air systems, fit and connect sanitary equipment, commission boilers and heat pumps, install smart-home systems and advise customers.

Install

Lay pipes and ducts, fit sanitary ware, heating and ventilation in homes and buildings.

Commission

Connect boilers and heat pumps, adjust the system and explain its use to the customer.

Maintain

Inspect, service and repair systems, with on-call duty at times.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you like understanding how a technical installation works
you are handy at bending, welding and assembling pipes
you are comfortable explaining a solution to a customer
you like alternating between workshop, building site and customers' homes

Less suitable if…

you are afraid of heights on ladders and scaffolding
you dislike on-call duty and urgent repair calls
you find it hard to carry heavy components

Advantages

Paid from the first year
Qualification recognised throughout Germany
Technical trade geared to sustainable energy
Route to master craftsman or further study

Difficulties

Physical work, sometimes in cramped spaces
On-call duty and urgent call-outs possible
Constant contact with customers in their homes
Long training, three and a half years

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

07:30

Start of shift and ordersPrepare the supplies, re-read the work order and load the service vehicle.

08:30

Cutting and bending pipesCut, bend and join copper or steel pipes according to the system diagram.

10:30

Fitting a sanitary unitFit a shower or a washbasin, connect the water and check that it is watertight.

13:00

Connecting the heatingFix the pipes, fit the insulation and connect a radiator or a boiler.

15:00

Commissioning and testsAdjust the system, measure the values and check that everything works properly.

16:30

Explaining to the customerShow how the system works, hand over the instructions and tidy the workstation.

Technical skills

Pipework and connectionsWelding and solderingSanitary installationHeating and heat pumpsVentilation and air conditioningMeasuring and adjustingCommissioning

Personal qualities

PrecisionTechnical senseService mindsetTeamworkReliability

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

≈ €927gross / month

Measuring and checking
Welding, soldering, joining
Cutting and bending pipes

Year 2

Technique

≈ €986gross / month

Laying pipes and ducts
Electrical basics
Part 1 of the final exam

Year 3

Installations

≈ €1,071gross / month

Heating, sanitary, air con
Renewable energies
Commissioning

Year 4 (6 months)

Finishing

≈ €1,140gross / month

Complete customer orders
Servicing and diagnosis
Part 2 of the final exam

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

Exams and qualification

The final exam (Abschluss- or Gesellenprüfung) has two parts: part 1 takes place before the end of the second year and counts for 30 per cent of the result; part 2, at the end of the training, covers the customer order, planning, system analysis and maintenance, and business and social studies. Certificate issued by the HWK or the IHK 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 job calls for dexterity, physical fitness to carry heavy components, and ease on ladders and scaffolding; on-call duty 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 awaySkilled installerJobs in building services firms or with a heating and air-conditioning contractor.

With experienceFurther trainingDeepen your skills in pipe fitting or in electrical measurement, control and regulation through courses.

Longer termMaster or degreeTake the master installer and heating engineer's Meister, start your own firm or study building services engineering.

Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Building and construction” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems mechanic (Anlagenmechaniker SHK)” 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?

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.

How much do you earn during the training?

It depends on the Land: as an example, from €724 to €1,140 gross a month in the first year and from €1,014 to €1,440 in the fourth year, according to collective agreements.

Can you choose a field of activity?

The company determines the field of work: sanitary systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or renewable energy and environmental technology.

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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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