In most cases, studies at a university of applied sciences (HF) are offered as part-time studies, so that you can continue to work at a reduced workload while studying for a diploma in energy and environmental engineering (new: energy and environmental engineering HF).

Energy and environmental technicians HF (formerly technicians HF energy and environment) are responsible for operational environmental protection and contribute to the sustainable, ecologically and economically sensible use of a company's ecological and energy resources. To this end, HF energy and environmental technicians (now: HF energy and environmental technicians) are responsible for the analysis, assessment, planning and implementation of projects with regard to ecological and energy-efficient aspects, introduce energy management systems and are entrusted with the management of projects for renewal, refurbishment and procurement. They lead a team and are competent contacts in the areas of maintenance and occupational safety.

An energy technician HF focuses on the following in their work:

• Efficiency, safety, environmental compatibility and cost-effectiveness of energy generation, conversion, transportation, storage and use
• modern environmental technologies
• Planning, project development and implementation of complex new construction, expansion and retrofit projects, e.g. in the field of secondary technology for medium and high-voltage switchgear and substations
• varied activities both in-house and with customers
• Planning and documentation
• Concepts such as UMZ, differential, distance protection and earth fault location
• Impact protocols and automated testing techniques

The exact title of the degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering HF (formerly Technician HF Energy and Environment) can be the same, but previously also, depending on the chosen course of study, "Dipl. Techniker/in HF Systemtechnik, Vertiefungsrichtung Umwelttechnik" or "dipl. Techniker/in HF Systemtechnik / Erneuerbare Energien".

The following subjects are covered in a degree course in Energy and Environment HF:

• Ecology
• Engineering
• Process engineering
• Electrical machines and drives
• Plant engineering
• Automation
• Mobility
• Sustainability management
• Innovation management
• Environmental technology
• Regenerative energy systems
• Sustainable product development
• Business administration

In the case of an HF Energy and Environment Technician course (new: HF Energy and Environment Technician), which is carried out alongside work, at least 50 percent professional activity is required during the course.

Most schools offer one or more information events that you can attend before registering for the HF Energy and Environmental Technician course (formerly HF Energy and Environment Technician). This gives you the opportunity to learn about all the important aspects of this course and also to ask specific questions and clarify any uncertainties. This will provide you with a comprehensive basis for making a decision on further training as a technician. Use our contact form to get in touch directly with the higher technical colleges you are interested in and tick the box "I would like the dates of the next information events". It is advisable to also request the training documents, which you should study in detail before attending the information event.

A work placement of 720 hours (18 weeks) must be completed exclusively as part of a full-time degree course in Energy and Environmental Engineering HF (formerly Technician HF Energy and Environment). In the case of part-time training, the professional activity is credited so that the internship is not required.

You should have the following personal qualities for an HF course to become an HF technician in energy and environment (now: HF energy and environmental technician):

• Interest in energy technology
• Interest in environmental technology
• want to understand the complex technical and economic interrelationships in their own working environment
• Ability to work in a team
• Communication skills
• Systematic approach
• solution-oriented thinking
• Willingness to take on responsibility
• want to undergo continuous further training
• Leadership qualities

The amount of your workload during your studies to become an Energy and Environmental Technician HF (formerly Technikerin / Techniker HF Energie und Umwelt) depends largely on which training model you choose and how high your workload may be due to personal circumstances. For example, at some schools you can opt for a day course, where you attend classes for a whole day and therefore lose a whole working day. However, you can also opt for evening courses, where you attend the course three times a week, or choose a combination of day and evening courses, even with additional attendance at the energy technology advanced training course on Saturday. Which option you choose depends on when you can learn best, what your maximum work and learning load should be and how much you can and want to reduce your workload. However, you should not work more than 80 percent (although this is possible depending on the option you choose), as you will need sufficient time to study in addition to the classroom teaching. However, some schools even require you to work at least 50 percent from a higher semester onwards. Please clarify this point directly with the relevant schools.

Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Energy and Environment (new: Energy and Environmental Technician CHE) courses last four to six semesters. The course can be completed part-time or full-time at a College of Higher Education. For holders of a technical Federal Vocational Baccalaureate, the duration of studies can be shortened by two semesters. With the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (Achtung: Engl.), graduates have better earning potential.

The advanced training course for energy and environmental technicians HF (formerly technician HF energy and environment) is primarily aimed at plant and apparatus engineers, designers, polymechanics, electricians and automation technicians who wish to specialize and have at least six years of professional experience, including the apprenticeship period. Professionals from construction-related apprenticeships, such as metalworkers, heating engineers, electrical draughtsmen, building services planners, plumbers and fitters and other related professions are also a good prerequisite for further training as a technician. Individual clarification is carried out for interested parties from non-construction professions.

After studying Energy and Environmental Technology HF, the following further training courses are possible:

• Courses and offers from professional associations, vocational colleges and higher technical colleges
• University of Applied Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Systems Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
• Postgraduate level with courses at universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences in the following areas:
  • Energy systems
  • Energy industry
  • Energy and resource efficiency
  • Business Engineering Management
  • Business administration

In fact, you must be able to demonstrate foreign language skills at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in order to be admitted to the Energy and Environmental Technician HF course (formerly Techniker HF Energie und Umwelt). Most schools require English language skills at this level or higher, but you can also acquire these during your studies and must prove them in an English test.