The Max Eyth School (MES) in Alsfeld is writing a new chapter in the training of skilled workers for the plumbing, heating and air conditioning trades (SHK). For the first time in over a decade, there is a local specialist class for SHK trainees in the Vogelsberg district. Almost 20 young people decided to take SHK vocational training at MES in the new school year and benefit from high-quality training directly on site. This important step is the result of a committed interaction between the Vogelsbergkreis as the school authority, the district craftsmen’s association, the guild for plumbers, plumbing and heating construction and the Max Eyth School.
District master craftsman Edwin Giese, senior master Armin Seiler and managing director Michael Busold recently visited the new premises of the specialist class and were received by headmaster Friedhelm Walther and department head Thomas Spohr. Together with the MES representatives, they took a tour of the newly equipped rooms and discussed the opportunities and challenges of SHK training in the region.
“The return of the SHK specialist class is an indispensable contribution to the region,” emphasizes Michael Busold, managing director of the district craftsmen’s association, and continues: “It is a unique case in Hesse that such a specialist class is being set up again. The close cooperation with our partners and the generous investments have made this important offer for the region possible.” For the guild and the district craftsmen’s association, the numerous investments of around 70,000 euros by the Vogelsbergkreis in the first year of training are a clear sign of how important the support is of young talent for the crafts.
SHK specialists are urgently needed today and in the future – especially with regard to the energy transition and the increasing demand for sustainable energy and heating solutions. Many experienced specialists will be retiring in the coming years. District master craftsman Edwin Giese emphasizes: “Skilled workers such as system mechanics in the HVAC sector are the ‘hands’ that are indispensable for the success of the energy transition. Without qualified specialists, the ambitious goals cannot be achieved.”
Chief Master Armin Seiler also assures the guild of continued support: “The guild will continue to be committed to the specialist class in the coming years and will provide additional funds.” The guild has already provided its own funds and donations in kind from trade and industry worth approx 7,000 euros contributed to equipping the new specialist class.
In order to best support the curriculum and prepare the trainees for the modern requirements in the HVAC sector in a practical manner, the equipment for the specialist class is planned in stages. While investments were made in workbenches, wall module panels and furniture in the first year of training, learning systems for heat pumps, smart home applications and a burner test stand are planned for the coming years.
With this comprehensive training offer, the Max Eyth School, in collaboration with the Vogelsberg district and the regional craft organizations, is sending a strong signal for the future of crafts and for the regional economy. The SHK trade has a secure perspective and offers young people an attractive career in a crisis-proof and future-oriented professional field. +++
