Plumbing and energy

Plumbing and energy deals with water heat ventilation and renewable energy in buildings. As a skilled plumber you ensure people have clean water heat in radiators and fresh air inside — and that everything runs as energy efficiently as possible. It is a profession that plays a major role in the green transition.

§What do you do in everyday life?

You install and repair pipes, water installations, and heating systems, mount radiators and bathrooms, and connect ventilation. Increasingly, you also work with renewable energy such as heat pumps and solar heating. You find faults when something leaks or does not heat, and you advise customers on how to get a system that lasts and uses less energy. The work takes place both in private homes and in larger buildings.

• 01You learn to install and assemble pipe and water installations so they are tight and durable.
• 02You work with heating systems and renewable energy such as heat pumps.
• 03You become good at ventilation so the indoor air is healthy and fresh.
• 04You learn to troubleshoot systems and find the cause when something doesn't work.
• 05You get a trade that is in the middle of the green transition and is always in demand.

§How do you get started?

You normally start with a basic course at a vocational school and then find an apprenticeship with a plumbing company or installer. The education alternates between school and practice so you learn both the technical and try it on real tasks. You get paid during training and work alongside experienced journeymen.

§The way forward

With the journeyman's certificate you can become employed in a glazier company specialise in facades or framing or eventually start for yourself. The trade rewards precision responsibility and good customer contact — qualities you develop throughout your entire apprenticeship.

“A good indoor climate and heat in the house are not a given — it is the plumbing and heating trade that makes it happen.”