State-of-the-art craft training: This is what the Rhein-Kreis Neuss Guild for Sanitary and Heating Technology offers with its new “SHK Pavilion” at the BTI Neuss – a contribution to qualifying young people for the energy transition.
Rhine district Neuss – The SHK pavilion expands the opportunities for inter-company training that every aspiring system mechanic for plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology undergoes. The young craftsmen spend a total of ten weeks here during their three and a half year training in addition to working in the craft company and attending theoretical lessons at the vocational college. The guild presented the finished pavilion and its furnishings to district administrator Hans-Jürgen Petrauschke, district head Tillmann Lonnes and head of office Petra Heinen-Dauber.
“In our trade we are dealing more and more with electronic components, be it wiring, controls or pumps that are connected, installed and adjusted,” explained head master Christoph Linden. This extends to smart home installations. In order to make the future system mechanics fit for these tasks, the SHK guild has set up the pavilion on the BTI site that was previously used by painters and varnishers. “As HVAC specialists, we are allowed to carry out certain electrical work, for example connecting a heating pump or replacing an outside sensor,” said Linden.
These are exactly the tasks the SHK pavilion is about. The trainees learn all the finer points of the latest generation of heating controls at two training walls from well-known heating technology manufacturers. Setting up the SHK pavilion cost around 240,000 euros. The federal government contributed 100,000 euros, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia 40,000, and the guild invested the remaining 100,000 euros in its inter-company training, as general manager Thomas Gütgens of the Lower Rhine District Craft Association reported. Workshop instructor Kevin Tillmann, trainer Daniel Beckers and training manager Holger Schmelzing are currently preparing 54 future plant mechanics from the Rhein-Neuss district and 32 from the Viersen district for their upcoming journeyman examination.
The representatives of the guild and the district craftsmen’s association thanked the district for supporting training in the craft. “You always have an open ear,” said Thomas Gütgens to Hans-Jürgen Petrauschke. The district administrator underlined the district’s interest: “It is important to us that we get young people into training and work. This is also why we try to keep the buildings of our vocational colleges in good condition,” explained Petrauschke. The SHK trade is an example of how much the craft has changed in the past decades: “In the past you needed more muscle power, today you need more brain power.”
“We maintain an intensive exchange with the companies to ensure that the training is practical,” explained Kevin Tillmann (34). The trainees in the SHK trade are generally tech-savvy and use special apps or calculation programs for their work. A lot of things revolve around energy-efficient heating, energy saving or even CO2 taxation. “The topic of heat pumps is the ultimate,” says Tillmann.
Senior Master Christoph Linden is pleased about the new opportunities that are now available for inter-company training. “Plant mechanic is a demanding but also very promising profession,” emphasized Linden. Therefore, the investment in the SHK pavilion is “money well spent”. (opm)
Happy about the new SHK pavilion at the BTI Neuss for the inter-company training of plant mechanics (from left): trainer Kevin Tillmann, district head Tillmann Lonnes, district administrator Hans-Jürgen Petrauschke, chief master Christoph Linden, general manager Thomas Gütgens (district craftsmen’s association) and head of office Petra Heinen-Dauber .
Photo: District craftsmen’s association
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about the plumbing and heating trade, and how is the SHK pavilion helping to challenge these stereotypes?
## Interview: Training for the Future: The New SHK Pavilion
**Guests:**
* **Christoph Linden:** Headmaster, Rhein Kreis Neuss Guild for Sanitary and Heating Technology
* **Kevin Tillmann:** Workshop Instructor, Rhein Kreis Neuss Guild for Sanitary and Heating Technology
**Moderator:** Welcome to World-Today-News. Today, we’re discussing the exciting new development at the BTI Neuss – the state-of-the-art SHK Pavilion dedicated to training future system mechanics. With us today are Christoph Linden, Headmaster of the guild, and Kevin Tillmann, a workshop instructor. Gentlemen, thank you for joining us.
**Section 1: Addressing the Changing Landscape of the Trade**
**Moderator:** Mr. Linden, the article mentions a shift in the skillset required for System Mechanics. Could you elaborate on how the traditional image of a “tradesperson” is evolving, especially in the context of the energy transition?
* **Open-ended question:** What are some of the biggest misconceptions about the plumbing and heating trade, and how is the SHK pavilion helping to challenge these stereotypes?
**Moderator:** Mr. Tillmann, when we think about “smart homes” and energy efficiency, these concepts often seem detached from traditional crafts like plumbing and heating. How does the training at the SHK pavilion bridge this gap and prepare young trainees for these technological advancements?
* **Open-ended question:** How do you incorporate the latest technological trends, like AI and IoT, into the training curriculum at the pavilion?
**Section 2: The Impact of the SHK Pavilion**
**Moderator:** The SHK pavilion was a significant investment, both financially and in terms of vision. Mr. Linden, could you share the key motivations behind establishing this facility?
* **Open-ended question:** What do you see as the long-term impact of the SHK pavilion on the local workforce and the broader community?
**Moderator:** Mr. Tillmann, you mentioned working closely with local businesses to ensure practical relevance in the training. How does the pavilion foster this crucial connection between academia and the real-world demands of the industry?
* **Open-ended question:** What specific collaborations are happening with local businesses, and how do these partnerships enhance the training experience for the apprentices?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities**
**Moderator:** Mr. Linden, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the SHK trade in the coming years, particularly regarding the energy transition and attracting young talent?
* **Open-ended question:** How does the SHK pavilion help address these challenges and prepare the next generation of skilled workers to tackle them?
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your insights. It is clear that the SHK pavilion represents a vital investment in the future of the plumbing and heating trade. What final message would you like to leave our viewers with regarding the importance of skilled trades and the opportunities they present?
**Closing:**
We at World-Today-News believe in showcasing stories of innovation and progress, and the SHK pavilion is a shining example of this in action. We thank Mr. Linden and Mr. Tillmann for their time and insightful contributions to this conversation.
