This article is a translation of the German text, which refers to the German education system and the possibility within
this system to pursue a career in the field of building services engineering. It is possible that the information on the
individual qualifications and degrees may differ slightly from other international education systems.
In an era where innovative solutions and sustainable development take priority, the MEP sector plays a key role. It's not just about building structures, it's about creating sustainable, energy-efficient buildings and thus shaping our common future. As members of this dynamic industry, we have the unique opportunity to act not only as technicians, engineers or craftsmen, but also as trendsetters for the next generation of professionals. This article is aimed at young, ambitious talents who are interested in contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced world. By sharing our passion, expertise and experience, we can inspire young people to join us. Given the current shortage of skilled workers, it is even more important to spark a fascination for MEP and build a bridge to the construction professionals of tomorrow. Together, we can not only combat the shortage of skilled workers, but also ensure that our industry continues to thrive and prosper. Let's use this article to spark interest, stimulate discussion and encourage a new generation to forge their own path in the world of MEP.
Ignite your passion for the world of MEP
The future belongs to the visionaries, the explorers, the doers - and this is where you as a young talent come into play! The fascinating world of building technology offers you numerous opportunities to discover and fully realise your potential. Would you like to enter a profession that is not only future-proof, but also shapes the world around you? Then the building technology is the perfect place for your creative ambitions and technical skills.
Building technology encompasses much more than the traditional image of the trades. This is where creative minds and technically skilled people design the buildings of the future. The focus here is on energy efficiency and the sustainability of buildings. The industry offers not only challenges, but also constant development and the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology. Every day brings new tasks that require creativity and ingenuity. This is exactly what makes working in the MEP sector so fulfilling.
Building technology not only offers a wide range of apprenticeships, but also the opportunity to qualify for further tasks through training to become a master craftsman or technician. For knowledge at university level, there is also a suitable degree program. From practical trades to in-depth engineering training - there is a place for everyone here.
Tasks and requirements in professional practice
For each of the four qualifications (journeyman, master craftsman, technician and engineer), typical tasks and requirements in everyday professional life in the design, construction and supervision of buildings can be described.
However, the transitions between the areas of responsibility can be fluid. The exact activities can vary depending on the specialisation and company.
In addition to the tasks described in the design and construction of buildings, there are also a large number of manufacturers of technical products that are installed in buildings. These are generally medium-sized companies and are not very well known to the public. If you do a little research, you will be amazed at how many companies in your region are active in building technology. Depending on your position in the company, you will have different tasks at these companies. These include selling products, providing technical advice and training to customers and further developing products.
The path to becoming an MEP expert
There are various ways to start a career in the MEP sector, depending on your individual educational background and the qualifications you are aiming for. The classic route is vocational training to become a journeyman. During the apprenticeship, you acquire practical skills and theoretical knowledge in the context of vocational school lessons. The four training occupations relevant to building services engineering are named and described in the table. A school leaving certificate is a prerequisite for all of these apprenticeships.
After successfully completing the journeyman's examination, there are several options for further qualification, which can be chosen according to personal interest and goals.
One possible further training option is to attend a master craftsman school at one of the 53 chambers of crafts in Germany. In addition to deepening craft-specific knowledge and skills, the necessary tools for running a business and training apprentices are also taught. The master craftsman school can be attended full-time or part-time and lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 years, depending on the chosen time model. The master craftsman's certificate opens up the possibility of taking over or setting up a craft business.
Training to become a state-certified technician can be an alternative to becoming a master craftsman. When training to become a technician, the focus is more on the theoretical aspects. In addition to the technical content, this also includes interdisciplinary knowledge to strengthen methodological, information and communication skills. The technical college can also be attended full-time or part-time over a period of 2 to 4 years. As an entry requirement for the final examination, one year of professional experience as a journeyman in the field must be demonstrated. Technicians are very versatile and work both in construction companies as specialists and managers, as well as in industry and in consulting engineering offices as planners and site managers. Here they carry out technical calculations, draw up implementation and revision plans and supervise work on the construction site.
A degree in building technology can be started directly after obtaining the relevant higher education entrance qualification (in Germany the "Abitur" or "Fachabitur"). If you have not yet gained any practical experience in the field, e.g. through an apprenticeship or similar, a six-week internship may be required as a condition for admission to the university of applied sciences. At some universities, there are also study places for applicants who have a master craftsman or state-certified technician qualification. The degree program is divided into Bachelor's and Master's courses. It always starts with a Bachelor's degree, which has a standard duration of study of between six and seven semesters (3 - 3.5 years), depending on the chosen degree program and the respective university.
After graduating with a Bachelor's degree, you can start your career straight away or gain further qualifications with a Master's program. The duration of the Master's degree program results from the fact that the standard period of study in combination with the Bachelor's degree is ten semesters. This means that a seven-semester Bachelor's degree can be followed by a three-semester Master's program. At some universities, it is also possible to do the Master's while working, so that you can gain your first professional experience during the Master's program. In Germany, several universities have specialized institutes for building technology, including Berlin, Dresden, Aachen, Stuttgart and Munich. These offer corresponding degree programs. The number of universities with bachelor's degree programs in building technology is around 20 and many of these also offer corresponding master's degree programs. The teaching content at the universities focuses more on understanding the theoretical and physical background than at the universities of applied sciences, where the practical application of knowledge plays an important role in the training. Completing an engineering degree opens doors to various fields of work, e.g. in technical design offices, in construction companies or with manufacturers of building technology components; Of course, we as software developer are also looking for new talents. You can find more information on this on our career page.
Choose your path and challenge clichés
Of course, you are free to decide which path you want to take and it should be based on your own wishes and interests. In addition, no qualification is always better than another. In its 2022 poster campaign "Hier stimmt was nicht." ("Something is wrong here"), the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts ("Deutscher Handwerkskammertag e.V.) is campaigning for greater appreciation of the skilled trades and wants to deliberately challenge prejudices and encourage people to think about them. With headlines such as "Why do I count for less if I want more than PowerPoint?" or "What speaks against the trades? My academic parents.", the adverts promote greater social recognition of skilled trades professions - especially among young people, parents and teachers - and the equal value of academic and vocational training. As a large number of trade and technical design offices will be looking for management trainees in the coming years, the differences in terms of job prospects and earning potential are smaller than you might think and every worker in building technology helps to master the challenges of the coming years.
So, enter the world of MEP and write your own success story. The challenges are waiting for you, the future is calling for your ideas and the world needs your enthusiasm. Be part of the change, be part of building technology!