Group of international students at university

Engineer for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning systems

Master dealing with water, heat and environmental technology: As a plant mechanic, you can specialize in one of many fields.

Vocational training content

Engineers for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning systems lay the basis for fitting heating and air-conditioning systems as well as water pipes, sinks and toilets. This involves planning, building and maintaining pipes and connections.

At the beginning, trainees choose one of the following specialisations: water, ventilation, heating, environmental engineering or renewable energies. All trainees learn how to work with metal and plastics, i.e. drilling, screwing and welding techniques. This will not only enable them to maintain and repair systems, but also to give confident advice to customers. Upon completion of their vocational training, they will also be able to operate control systems and deal with system disruptions.

Special requirements

This vpocational training programme requires good numeracy skills because you will have to calculate material requirements and technical parameters. Drawing skills are also required because you will have to draw design plans. Additionally, you should also be able to deal with customers and focus on service.

Places of study

This is a dual vocational training programme. The theory is taught at a vocational school (Berufsschule), while practical training takes place at a craftsperson’s workshop or an industrial company.

Duration: 3.5 years

Remuneration corresponding to years of vocational training (craft business)

1st year     €649–958
2nd year    €766–1,064
3rd year     €876–1,149
4th year     €909–1,200

Remuneration corresponding to years of training (industry)

1st year      €830–900
2nd year     €890–1,000
3rd year      €955–1,080
4th year      €1,020–1,120

Remuneration (TVAöD): gross salary before tax and deductions for social security contributions; source: Federal Employment Agency (BA), as of January 2023.

Sector of activities

  • Supply and installation
  • Electrical installations

Your prospects after completion

  • Employment at companies fitting sanitary, heating and air-conditioning systems
  • Specialisation in e.g. quality assurance, customer service, maintenance or production
  • Acquiring additional qualifications such as IT or foreign language skills
  • Continuing vocational training to become a master craftsman or fully qualified engineer

Further information on this profession:

Information on the web

  1. Federal Ministry of Education and Research – Praktisch unschlagbar! Useful links on vocational training
  2. Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) Profiles of several occupations requiring vocational training

Do you have any questions?

Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German. 

You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

Smiling young woman working on her laptop at work
Skyline of Hamburg