Career change as a sewer builder

Career change paths

• Factory customer service technician

  Also: Technical field sales advisor

  With on-the-job training

  At a manufacturer you commission systems, solve difficult faults, train specialist businesses and advise planners and installers.

  What you bring:

  You know boilers, heat pumps and controls of different manufacturers from installation and customer service.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer (Einarbeitung) with product training, usually for a few weeks to months. The journeyman certificate is required, and experience in customer service and a driving license class B are expected. Travel in the sales territory is part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsLots of contact with people

  €5,034gross per monthMedian salary

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• Technical systems planner for supply and equipment technology

  Also: CAD drafter for building services

  With on-the-job training

  At a planning office you draw heating, ventilation and sanitary plans on the computer, lay out pipes and support the project managers.

  What you bring:

  You know pipe routing, components and the situation on the construction site and know what can really be installed.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at the planning office (Einarbeitung) plus a CAD course of a few weeks to months, which can often be funded with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein). A qualification of your own comes from vocational training (Ausbildung) as a technical systems planner (Technischer Systemplaner/Technische Systemplanerin), specialization supply and equipment technology, which can often be shortened with a journeyman certificate.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Waterworks operator

  Also: Employee at a wastewater treatment plant

  With on-the-job training

  At the waterworks or wastewater treatment plant you service systems, monitor measured values and make sure water is treated cleanly.

  What you bring:

  You know pumps, fittings, pipelines and drinking water hygiene from installation.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at municipal utilities or special-purpose associations (Einarbeitung), plus courses of the professional associations, for example for waterworks or sewage plant operators, usually for a few weeks. A qualification of your own comes from vocational training (Ausbildung) as an environmental technologist for water supply or for wastewater management (Umwelttechnologe/Umwelttechnologin; formerly water supply technology specialist or wastewater technology specialist), which is often shortened with a journeyman certificate. On-call duty is usual.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Shift workLittle customer contact

  €4,070gross per monthMedian salary

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• Building services technician

  Also: Building technology caretaker

  With on-the-job training

  As a building services technician you look after large buildings such as hospitals, schools or housing complexes, check the technology and commission specialist firms.

  What you bring:

  You can service and repair heating systems, water pipes and sanitary systems and find faults yourself.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training at housing companies, municipalities, hospitals or facility service providers (Einarbeitung). The journeyman certificate is often a requirement for the technical jobs. Working hours are usually more predictable than in construction site work, but there is often on-call duty.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  €3,260gross per monthMedian salary

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• Tower crane operator

  Also: Crane operator

  With on-the-job training

  As a crane operator you supply construction sites with material, lift components precisely into place and work physically much less strenuously.

  What you bring:

  You are comfortable working at great height, know slinging, load distribution and wind hazards, and communicate confidently with hand signals and radio.

  How to get there:

  You take a crane operator course following DGUV Principle 309-003 at a training provider, for tower cranes usually a few days to two weeks. You also need proof that you are medically fit and written authorization from the company. Construction companies and crane rental firms like to use people with construction site and height experience. You work many hours alone in the cab or at the radio remote control.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically lightLittle customer contact

  €4,153gross per monthMedian salary

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• Event rigger

  Also: Scaffolder in stage construction

  With on-the-job training

  In the event industry you build stages, grandstands and trusses, hang lighting and sound equipment and secure loads above stage and audience.

  What you bring:

  You work confidently at height, know slinging devices, loads and fall protection and put up scaffolding quickly and exactly.

  How to get there:

  Stage construction and event technology companies train scaffolders and industrial climbers on the job (Einarbeitung). For hanging loads over people they expect rigger courses following the qualification levels of the industry associations, usually a few days to weeks. The work is often project-based, with weekend and night assignments and a lot of travel.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLittle customer contact

  €3,740gross per monthMedian salary

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• Overhead line installer

  Also: Installer in pylon construction

  With on-the-job training

  As an overhead line installer you install and replace crossarms, insulators and cables on pylons, pull in conductor cables and help with the new construction and renovation of high-voltage lines.

  What you bring:

  You are comfortable working at great height, secure yourself against falls as a matter of routine and install heavy components in a team.

  How to get there:

  Overhead line construction companies also hire scaffolders and industrial climbers without electrical training for pylon and cable work and give them a few months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). A requirement is a medically confirmed fitness for work with a risk of falling. You may only carry out electrical work under the direction and supervision of a qualified electrician (Elektrofachkraft) or after an additional qualification. Installation often means assignments of weeks away from home.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLittle customer contactLots of time outdoors

  €3,657gross per monthMedian salary

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• Specialist advisor for scaffolding systems

  Also: Rental advisor for scaffolding and work platforms

  With on-the-job training

  At a manufacturer, rental company or dealer you advise scaffolding companies, construction firms and tradespeople, prepare offers and material lists and look after regular customers.

  What you bring:

  You know from practice which scaffold or work platform suits which job and what matters for safety and set-up time.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training from the manufacturer or rental company (Einarbeitung) with product training, usually a few weeks to months. A driving license class B and confident use of a PC are expected. You can start in the inside sales of a branch; you gain business knowledge through courses or further training.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross per monthMedian salary

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• Construction machine operator in demolition

  Also: Excavator operator

  With on-the-job training

  As a construction machine operator you work with an excavator, demolition equipment or wheel loader, demolish structures in a controlled way, sort material and work physically less strenuously from the cab.

  What you bring:

  You know construction sites, demolition and assembly work and judge loads, stability and dangers in the surroundings confidently.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) on the machine at the company, often with a course for earthmoving machines at construction industry training centers (a few days to weeks), plus written authorization by the company. A qualification comes from retraining (Umschulung) as a construction equipment operator (Baugeräteführer/Baugeräteführerin), which usually takes about 2 years.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactLots of time outdoors

  €4,089gross per monthMedian salary

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• Master plumbing and heating installer

  Also: Construction manager, building services, Project manager, plumbing and heating (SHK)

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a master craftsperson (Meister) or site manager you plan and calculate jobs, lead fitters and coordinate with customers and other trades.

  What you bring:

  You know pipe installation, heating technology, bathrooms and construction site routines from your own work.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the plumbing and heating installer trade takes about one year full-time and 2 to 3 years alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted with the journeyman certificate (Gesellenbrief). For your own business you need the master qualification or an equivalent entitlement, because the trade requires a license.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• State-certified technician for heating, ventilation and air conditioning

  Also: Technical building services planner

  With further trainingPromotion

  As a technician you plan and calculate such systems, write bills of quantities and look after projects at a planning office or at manufacturers.

  What you bring:

  You know from practice how heating, ventilation and drinking water systems are built and where execution gets stuck.

  How to get there:

  The vocational college for technology (Fachschule für Technik), specialization in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, takes 2 years full-time or about 4 years alongside work and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). Access is usually with a journeyman certificate and at least one year of work experience; the federal state sets the exact rules.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• Building energy consultant

  Also: Energy consultant

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an energy consultant you check buildings and heating, issue energy performance certificates and renovation roadmaps and advise owners on funding options.

  What you bring:

  You know heating systems, heat pumps and hot water exactly and quickly see where energy is lost in a house.

  How to get there:

  You take a course to become a building energy consultant at the chamber of crafts or a training provider, usually a few months alongside work. As a tradesperson you may issue energy performance certificates if you meet the requirements for entry in the register of craftsmen (Handwerksrolle), so usually with a master certificate, and can show the training required by law. The law also provides for a qualification exam in energy consulting at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). For state-funded consultations you additionally need an entry in the federal list of experts (Expertenliste).*Regulated by law (Building Modernization Act (GModG, formerly Building Energy Act) § 88).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €5,500gross per monthMedian salary

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• Service technician for heat pumps and air conditioners

  Also: Refrigeration mechatronics technician

  With further training

  With heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, you also deal with refrigerant circuits, refrigerants and more electrics.

  What you bring:

  You know heating systems, hydraulic balancing, controls and pipe connections from practice.

  How to get there:

  Expertise exam (Sachkundeprüfung) for work on refrigerant circuits with fluorinated refrigerants: a course with exam, usually a few days to two weeks. A technical or trade vocational qualification is required, which you already have. After that you get on-the-job training at the specialist company (Einarbeitung). A qualification of your own comes from a shortened vocational training as a refrigeration mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker/Mechatronikerin für Kältetechnik).*Regulated by law (Regulation (EU) 2024/573 Art. 10, Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (ChemKlimaschutzV) §§ 5, 6).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demanding

  €3,992gross per monthMedian salary

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• Fire officer at a professional fire department

  With further training

  In the fire service, firefighting, technical assistance and emergency medical service come on top, and your knowledge of pipes and house connections helps in many operations.

  What you bring:

  You have a trade qualification, work physically and in a team and know water, gas and heating pipes.

  How to get there:

  Training at a professional fire department as a civil servant usually takes 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the federal state, and often includes the emergency medical technician course. The requirement is usually a completed trade or technical vocational qualification, plus a sports test, medical fitness and maximum age limits, which differ by state and city.*Regulated by law (Career and training ordinances of the federal states for the technical fire service).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demanding

  €4,118gross per monthMedian salary

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• Instructor in the plumbing and heating trade

  Also: Instructor at an inter-company training facility

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an instructor you work with trainees in the business or in courses of the chamber and guild and prepare them for the journeyman exam.

  What you bring:

  You are skilled in pipe installation, heating and sanitary technology in practice and can demonstrate work steps well.

  How to get there:

  The master craftsperson exam (Meisterprüfung) in the plumbing and heating installer trade also includes trainer aptitude (Ausbildereignung). It takes about one year full-time and longer alongside work, and it can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You can take the exam with the journeyman certificate, but for instructor jobs companies and training centers usually expect several years of work experience.*Regulated by law (Crafts Code (HwO) § 22b).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLittle customer contact

  €4,462gross per monthMedian salary

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• Expert for tap water damage

  Also: Claims assessor for insurers

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an expert for tap water damage you use measuring technology to find the cause of water damage, assess the extent and renovation and write expert reports for insurers, property managers and courts.

  What you bring:

  You know pipes, connections, materials and typical causes of damage from installation and repair.

  How to get there:

  You often start at a leak detection or remediation company with training on measuring equipment such as thermography and moisture measurement, usually for a few weeks (Einarbeitung). For your own expert reports, insurers usually expect the master qualification and an expert course at chambers or associations. Public appointment and swearing in by the Chamber of Crafts only follows after a check of your special expertise.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hours

  €4,349gross per monthMedian salary

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• Occupational safety specialist

  Also: Safety specialist in construction

  With further trainingPromotion

  As an occupational safety specialist you advise construction companies, walk the sites, assess hazards and train the employees.

  What you bring:

  You know fall hazards, scaffold inspections and protective measures on construction sites from daily work.

  How to get there:

  The requirement is generally the master craftsperson exam or a technician qualification followed by work experience. After that comes the training as an occupational safety specialist (Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit) at a statutory accident insurance fund (Berufsgenossenschaft), for example BG BAU. It runs alongside work in several stages, with in-person and self-study phases.*Regulated by law (Occupational Safety Act (ASiG) § 7, DGUV Regulation 2 § 4).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €4,948gross per monthMedian salary

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• Truck driver in scaffolding construction

  Also: Driver with loading crane

  With further training

  As a truck driver you deliver scaffolding and building material to construction sites and warehouses, unload with the loading crane and work largely independently on the road.

  What you bring:

  You know scaffolding material, narrow construction site access and the safe loading and unloading of trucks.

  How to get there:

  You need a driving license class C or CE plus the accelerated basic qualification with an exam at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Together this usually takes a few months. Funding with an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) is possible if the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or the Jobcenter approves it. For the loading crane you additionally need instruction or a short course and authorization from the company.*Regulated by law (Driving License Ordinance (FeV), Professional Driver Qualification Act (BKrFQG), Professional Driver Qualification Ordinance (BKrFQV)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Little customer contactLots of time outdoors

  €3,262gross per monthMedian salary

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Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.