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
Further information on this profession:
Information on the web
Federal Ministry of Education and Research – Praktisch unschlagbar!