At the start of the joint search, we consider which fields are of interest to young people and whether the favorites have changed. Different industries are interested in the number of entrants to the industry, because it tells about the supply of labor in the future. In previous years, there have been quite a few people entering the field of building technology, and the interest shows no signs of abating even now.
The popularity of building technology has continued for a long time
Those who have completed a basic degree in building technology are mainly placed in installation tasks in the HVAC industry, but the degree also includes fields of expertise, e.g. in relation to cold installation and technical insulation. The popularity of the building technology industry has been at a high level for a long time.
"Along with several technical fields, the HVAC field was not particularly attractive in the late 1990s. However, the matter changed when the awareness of the development of work tasks in the field became known to young people. The field clearly changed in the direction of technical services, and installers began to be considered experts", recalls the specialist Juha-Ville Mäkinen LVI-Technical Contractors from LVI-TU ry.
"The image Leo Lastumäki created of pipe fitters in the 1970s is in the minds of many generations. However, younger people no longer remember or recognize this, and that is one indication of the change in the industry".
The role of building technology will be emphasized in the future
The contribution of the building technology industry in improving energy efficiency is significant and will be emphasized even more in the near future. The energy consumption of buildings can be best influenced by renewing building technical systems and regular maintenance and proper use. This means a constant need for manpower in the field, as well as the rapid development of expert positions.
"The number of applicants for building technology courses has continued to rise in recent years, which we are happy to note. Our environment needs a savior," Mäkinen continues.
"The education administration has also performed its role well in the eyes of the industry. The basic degree in building engineering and its organization have been actively developed and currently meet the competence requirements of working life very well".
The quality of education has not deteriorated
Mäkinen also praises the activity of educational institutions in the field. Several training organizers have made significant investments in the development of learning environments in the field and in maintaining the competence of teachers. Mäkinen takes a calm approach to the recently highlighted deficiencies in the quality of vocational education.
The most important thing is to focus on ensuring that young people who apply for education get good conditions to move to jobs in the field. Good local cooperation ensures the quality of education. Attention should be focused on the very basics.
Even after the recession of the 1990s, good installers could be trained and with much smaller resources than today. It would probably be time to think about whether the administrative burden has increased and whether it is always necessary.
More information
LVI-Technical Contractors LVI-TU ry
Special expert Juha-Ville Mäkinen phone 045 899 9388, juha-ville.makinen@lvi-tu.fi
Communications manager Pipsa Hiltunen phone 0400 287 939, pipsa.hiltunen@lvi-tu.fi