Continuing education as the driving force behind the heating transition
The expansion and maintenance of district heating networks are a central component of the heating transition in Germany. Well-trained specialists are essential for the rapid, safe, and high-quality expansion of the infrastructure. This is precisely where the continuing education program offered by the SKZ Plastics Center comes in. At its location in Halle an der Saale, the SKZ trains specialists in the fields of socket assembly, construction supervision, and quality assurance with a comprehensive, practical training program for the district heating industry.
With its continuing education programs, SKZ makes an important contribution to securing skilled workers in the field of the heat transition. (Photo: SKZ)
SKZ trains specialists for district heating expansion
In the coming years, thousands of kilometers of plastic-coated pipes (KMR) will have to be professionally laid throughout Germany, and existing networks will have to be reliably operated and maintained. This requires up-to-date technical expertise and a sound understanding of standards, regulations, and quality-assured installation processes. With its continuing education programs, SKZ is helping to meet this growing need for qualifications and to strengthen the skilled workforce for district heating expansion in the long term.
A key offering is the seminar “Socket installation on plastic-coated pipes,” which is aimed at employees in construction, construction supervision, and quality assurance. The course has been in high demand for years and was last held in January 2026 with around 50 participants. The high level of participation underscores the importance of qualified continuing education within the industry.
The content of the seminar is based on current European standards and the relevant AGFW regulations. The focus is on quality-oriented work and process flows in the installation of plastic-coated pipe systems. Companies that are certified according to the AGFW guideline FW 605 are obliged to regularly train their responsible specialists and quality officers in order to ensure that they are up to date with the latest technology. The seminar specifically addresses these requirements and supports companies in fulfilling their certification obligations.
In addition, the seminar is also aimed at specialists and interested parties who deal with plastic-coated pipe systems and socket systems in the context of planning, tendering, installation, quality testing, or network operation. The two-day seminar combines sound theoretical principles with intensive practical demonstrations. These include an introduction to different socket systems, pipe jacket connections, and installation procedures, the certification of socket installation companies in accordance with AGFW FW 605, and the training and testing of socket installers in accordance with AGFW FW 603. In addition, pipe network monitoring and fault location systems, the welding and testing of PE jacket pipes, and the correct handling of polyurethane and occupational safety are also covered.
The SKZ is specifically expanding the program to include practical demonstrations. Participants will experience live demonstrations of the installation of a force-fit socket system, the professional foaming and sealing of foam openings, various destructive and non-destructive testing methods, and the welding of a T-branch fitting (WZ/WE). Experienced employees from the SKZ site in Halle will carry out all demonstrations in accordance with the applicable occupational safety regulations.
In addition to the seminar on socket installation, the SKZ in Halle offers further practical training courses in the field of district heating. These include, among other things, qualifications at the installer level in accordance with AGFW FW 603 and DVS 2212-4, as well as the seminar “Leak warning and leak detection systems in district heating pipes,” which was successfully introduced in June 2025 and is now an integral part of the training program.
The combination of theory, practical stations, and expert knowledge facilitates the transfer of knowledge into everyday work and strengthens technical understanding along the entire value chain.
The expansion of district heating is an essential component of a climate-neutral heat supply. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers in pipeline and plant construction poses a major challenge. With its continuing education offerings, SKZ makes an important contribution to securing skilled workers and actively supports the industry in implementing the heat transition.
Ingo Hoveling, group leader for welding training at SKZ, emphasizes the importance of practical training: “Sound expertise is crucial for safe network operation. SKZ's training courses teach exactly that—directly applicable knowledge based on proven quality.”
