Engineer for sanitary, heating and air-conditioning systems

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.

Course contents

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 training, they will also be able to operate control systems and deal with system disruptions.

Special requirements

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

Duration: 3.5 years

Year of training and pay in Euros (craft business)

1st year 420 - 778

2nd year 473 - 860

3rd year 525 - 950

4th year 578 - 1.050

Year of training and pay in Euros (industry)

1st year 976 - 1.047

2nd year 1.029 - 1.102

3rd year 1.102 - 1.199

4th year 1.141 - 1.264

Pay: gross salary before tax and deductions for social contributions; source: Federal Employment Agency (BA); last update: April 2019.

Sector of activities

Supply and installation
Electrical installations

Your perspectives 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