Self-test Energy and Environmental Technician HF (Energy and Environment HF): Is this course the right one for me?
Is it your greatest wish to become an energy and environmental engineer?
Take the test now and find out whether the activities of HF Energy and Environment Technician are right for you and whether you are on the right track with an Energy and Environmental Technology degree.
Note: Since fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "Techniker HF Fachrichtung") have been given a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. For example, the course "Technician HF Energy and Environment" is now called "Energy and Environmental Technician HF".
What does the day-to-day work of an energy and environmental engineer with an HF diploma look like?
Technicians specializing in energy and environmental technology (new: energy and environmental technicians HF) work on the generation, distribution and efficient use of energy from renewable sources. Their tasks are very varied, e.g:
- Analyze the energy balance of existing systems and develop proposals for improvements
- Collaboration on projects to harness energy sources such as water, wind, sun, geothermal energy and biomass
- Designing and calculating new systems such as photovoltaic, wind and hydropower plants, district heating or recycling systems
- Build systems, e.g. on facades, on roofs, in the mountains, in bodies of water, cities and conurbations
- Commissioning and monitoring systems, rectifying faults and carrying out maintenance work
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with engineers, process and project managers from other departments
- Project management and team leadership tasks
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as an energy and environmental technician HF / energy and environmental technician HF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree in Energy and Environmental Technology, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't.
Then take a look at the relevant job advertisements, because not every job involves all tasks. You may find an advertisement that only requires you to perform the tasks that interest you. Then you are still on the right track with this training.
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Why don't you also take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"and benefit from helpful information and tips.
Target group and skills: For whom is the Energy and Environmental Engineering degree program for Energy and Environmental Engineers HF suitable?
Would you like to help shape a resource-conserving and sustainable energy future? Are you interested in photovoltaic systems, harnessing wind, generating energy from waste or recovering valuable raw materials? Then perhaps you belong to the target group of this course.
The "Energy and Environment (HF)" courses (formerly HF Energy and Environment Technician) are aimed at technically experienced professionals who wish to specialize in renewable energies with a practice-oriented course of study.
Important qualities for this profession are
- Technical and practical/handicraft skills
- Mathematical and scientific flair
- Systematic and solution-oriented thinking
- Quick comprehension
- Spatial imagination
- Good powers of observation
- Interest in energy and environmental issues
- Proactive
- Organizational talent
- Communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Leadership qualities
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to start the Energy and Environmental Engineering degree program.
- If you do not belong to the target group, you cannot aim directly for the HF diploma in Energy and Environmental Engineering HF. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information on suitable training courses inour guideson a wide variety of topics.
- If the topic interests you, but you don't have the necessary qualities, it will be difficult. Perhaps you can contribute your skills to the future of energy politically or otherwise? Look out for other training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Energy and Environmental Engineering degree course (HF):
The following requirements generally apply for admission* to an "Energy and Environment (HF)" degree program:
- Completion of relevant basic vocational training (apprenticeship) with EFZ**
Or
- Apprenticeship certificate (EFZ) in another profession or high school diploma and several years of relevant professional experience in the field of electricity, environment and energy management.
In addition
- During the course of study: work experience of at least 50% in a field corresponding to the course of study. (Note: In the case of a full-time course of study, an internship of at least 720 learning hours must be completed as part of the training to become an energy and environmental technician with a relevant EFZ and at least 1800 learning hours without a relevant EFZ)
- Depending on the school: entrance examination or aptitude test and/or attendance of a preliminary course, for example in mathematics.
Note:
- In some cases, it is possible to have previous educational achievements recognized. The school of your choice will provide detailed information.
- People who have a technical vocational baccalaureate benefit from a shortened study period at some schools. Information on this can be obtained from the respective HF.
* The universities of applied sciences (HF) decide independently on the admission procedure. There may therefore be differences between the providers. The admission procedure is set out and regulated in the study regulations of the respective HF. It must comply with the relevant legal requirements. More information on this can be found in the answers.
** A list of the relevant EFZ can be found in the framework curriculum "Energy and Environmental Technology HF". The link to the framework curriculum can be found in the answers.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start studying Energy and Environment (HF).
Further information:
- About the admission procedure at universities of applied sciences (HF): The courses at universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
- Linkon the framework curriculum and the relevant EFZ.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipRLP HF Energy and Environment Association c/o ORTEC Management AG
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Energy and Environmental Technician HF (formerly Techniker HF Energie und Umwelt), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the relevant field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Further information:
- About the admission procedure at universities of applied sciences (HF): The courses at universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
- Linkon the framework curriculum and the relevant EFZ.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipRLP HF Energy and Environment Association c/o ORTEC Management AG.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for Energy and Environmental Technician HF (formerly Techniker HF Energie und Umwelt), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the relevant field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Further information:
- About the admission procedure at universities of applied sciences (HF): The courses at universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula that have been jointly developed by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
- Linkon the framework curriculum and the relevant EFZ.
Subject matter and content of the training
The course content taught in an Energy and Environmental Engineering degree program is generally based on the framework curriculum* "Energy and Environmental Engineering HF".
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway when designing their training courses for energy and environmental technicians (formerly HF energy and environment technicians). Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured or deepened can therefore vary from college to college. The universities of applied sciences can also offer specializations, for example.**
The Energy and Environment HF degree programs cover many subjects and contents. The main ones are
- Engineering and process technology
- Plant engineering, construction technology
- Building technology
- Automation, computer science
- Energy technology
- Ecology, sustainability, environmental technology
- Mobility
- Knowledge management, project and process management skills
- Leadership and social skills
- Management competencies
* The sponsors of the framework curriculum are as follows:
- Organization of the world of work (OdA)Swissmem, EIT.swiss, VSE Association of Swiss Electricity Companies, Suisstec (Swiss-Liechtenstein Association of Building Services Engineers)
- Representation of education providersConference of Higher Technical Colleges KHF-T
The sponsoring body is responsible for drawing up the framework curriculum and for periodically checking that it is up to date and of high quality.
** The specialization may focus on a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours. The specialization or the corresponding additional competencies must be described in the school curriculum. The protected title "Dipl. Energie- und Umwelttechniker HF / dipl. Energie- und Umwelttechnikerin HF" remains unchanged.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training.
You can look forward to exciting and informative hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If there are a few individual subjects or topics that you could do without: don't take it too tragically. Most people do. However, if you have difficulties with a large number of subjects or cannot imagine doing without an entire subject area, you should attend an information event about your studies and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out exactly what is actually taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter. And ask about support options.
If you struggle with a lot of these subjects, this may not be the right course for you. Take a look at other further education courses or attend an information event about the course and clarify whether you really think these subjects are right for you.
Costs and financing of further training
The total costs of studying energy and environmental technology and the costs you actually have to expect (including extra costs, etc.) depend on the provider, the location and the training model and can therefore vary.
In general, the following costs must be expected for the 4-6 semester course to become an energy and environmental technician:
- Tuition feesThe semester fee depends on the school and your canton of residence. On average, you can expect to pay around CHF 18,000 to CHF 22,000 for students residing in the canton of training*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are usually included in the course fees.
- Fees for additional certificatesFor example, in English or project management (IPMA) etc. Whether you can complete additional certificates during your studies varies depending on the provider.
- Other extra costsSome providers charge extra costs for the registration fee and the student ID card, preliminary courses, teaching materials, special software, licenses, laboratory exercises, practicals, training documents, examinations/diploma papers and examination retakes. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 18,000 - CHF 22,000 for your studies and exam/diploma thesis?
- Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- AboutthisLink to the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
- Ask the schools first about the actual costs and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
- Ask the schools first about the actual costs and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
Duration of study, number of teaching hours, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of study:The Energy and Environment HF courses are usually part-time and last three years. However, some schools also offer them full-time, in which case they last two years. In order to attend the part-time course, you must be working in the relevant field for at least 50% of the time. In the full-time program, corresponding internships must be completed.In addition:People with a technical vocational baccalaureate benefit from a shortened study period at some schools. The respective HF will provide further information.
- Number of lessons:There are different curricula for people with a relevant occupation and those with other occupations, which therefore differ in terms of the total number of hours. With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises at least 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours usually increases to 5400 learning hours, please contact the school of your choice. The learning hours are divided into the following study elements: Contact study, guided self-study, individual self-study, practical training/internship, qualification procedure and other learning assessments, diploma thesis.
- Lesson times:The part-time or full-time HF Energy and Environmental Technology course is offered at different times. For example, lessons can take place on a full working day, two evenings a week or on individual half-days. These teaching times are determined by the schools, so there may be differences.
- Teaching format:Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning). Please contact the provider directly to find out which forms they offer.
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. Take the opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
During the course of study, various qualification achievements (so-called doctorates) must be completed, e.g. in the form of examinations, independent practical work and presentations.
Those who have completed all qualifications are admitted to the final qualification procedure. This usually proceeds as follows:
- The results of the previous semester examinations and/or assessed semester papers (so-called experience grades)
- Diploma thesis: The diploma thesis deals with a topic from the subject area and must have a practical or economic benefit. The thesis is written individually and at the end of the course. Here too, the time frame is determined by the respective HF in its study regulations.
- The thesis is also presented to a panel of experts (a group of specialists) and then defended in a discussion.
The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Energie- und Umwelttechnikerin / dipl. Energie- und Umwelttechniker HF". (formerly Dipl. Techniker HF Energie und Umwelt)
- In French: "Technicienne diplômée ES en énergie et environnement / Technicien diplômé ES en énergie et environnement"
- In Italian: "Tecnica dipl. SSS in energia e ambiente / Tecnico dipl. SSS in energia e ambiente"
- In English: "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Energy and Environmental Technology" This is not a protected title, but merely a translation, which is listed in the diploma supplements.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the energy and environmental technology course leading to a federal HF diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Energy and Environmental Technician HF (formerly Technician HF Energy and Environment) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as an energy and environmental technician HF (formerly technician HF energy and environment) does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training in energy and environment at a university of applied sciences (HF) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Energy and environmental technician studies (HF) (formerly technician HF energy and environment)"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Energy and environmental technician studies (HF) (formerly technician HF energy and environment)"
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Energy and environmental technician studies (HF) (formerly technician HF energy and environment)"
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin