Electric light, heating or warm water are a matter of course for us. All we have to do is press a switch or turn on a tap, and it will be bright and comfortably warm in our apartment. To ensure that everything works so smoothly, we need supply engineers.
Supply engineers take care of the connection of our houses to the water supply, electricity and gas and the telephone line. They also take care of the sewage and garbage disposal . Since environmental protection is playing an increasingly important role, topics such as the use of regenerative energies or energy-saving construction are becoming more important.
Course content of supply engineering
In order to be prepared for these tasks, supply engineers need knowledge from various engineering subjects . A degree in the field of supply engineering accordingly includes seminars in the fields of mechanical engineering , environmental technology and electrical engineering .
Courses in the field of supply engineering are practice-oriented and the offer is primarily available at universities of applied sciences. There is also the opportunity to specialize in supply engineering by studying mechanical engineering. In the best case scenario, applicants have a high affinity for technology . An interest in natural science subjects and mathematics is required for the course.
In the bachelor’s degree
As in all engineering courses, at the beginning of the bachelor’s degree, the scientific and mathematical basics are first on the curriculum. Students cramming for example, mathematics , physics or chemistry to understand the subsequent engineering study content. This includes subjects such as technical mechanics, materials science or electrical engineering.
In addition, the students acquire knowledge from the fields of business administration and law , which is important for their later work. In the higher semesters, the students deal more closely with the individual areas of supply technology. This includes heating or air conditioning technology, water supply or electrical systems . Subjects such as technical English, environmental law or contract law prepare students for other facets of their future professional life.
In the master’s degree
After completing their bachelor’s degree, graduates can start their careers straight away. But it is also possible to qualify for management positions. On the one hand, the students deepen their professional competences in master’s courses and also acquire further knowledge in the fields of business administration, management and law. At many universities there is the opportunity to specialize in a certain aspect of supply technology, network technology or wastewater technology.
Career prospects for utility technicians
Since issues such as environmental protection and sustainable energies play a major role in building planning, the demand for qualified supply technicians is great. Their university studies qualify the graduates for various fields of work. Many are employed by companies that specialize in plumbing, air conditioning or heating technology.
For example, you are involved in the development of new technical systems or responsible for the maintenance and repair of existing systems. Customer advice can also be part of a utility engineer’s area of responsibility. In larger industrial companies and large building complexes, supply engineers are responsible for monitoring operations.
Quite a few graduates become self-employed after a few years of professional experience and open their own engineering office. Apart from the private sector, supply engineers work, for example, for administrations, building authorities or utility companies . A master’s degree qualifies for a scientific career in research or an academic career at a university.
Study supply engineering globally
Because of their good training, German engineers are in demand abroad. If you want to go far after your studies, you have the opportunity to work in development cooperation or for an international company , for example . As a rule, foreign language skills and intercultural skills are prerequisites for being able to work in international teams.
A semester abroad offers the ideal opportunity to acquire these skills. It enables students to think outside the box during their studies. On the one hand , they expand their professional and personal skills there and, on the other hand, gain their first international experience.
