Hands-On Challenges for Future Skilled Professionals
The PowerPark (Hall B7) offers apprentices in the electrical trades the ideal platform to transform theory into practical experience. At the centre are realistic tasks from building and information technology, allowing participants to demonstrate their skills in real-world scenarios. Instead of dry theory, apprentices experience hands-on learning that strengthens teamwork and makes individual competencies measurable. Industry professionals act as mentors, answering questions, sharing insights, and providing valuable peer-level feedback. For aspiring HVAC professionals, the TechnikPark (Hall B6) serves as the perfect training ground to test and develop their abilities. The focus is clearly on enjoying the trade, although a little competitive excitement is part of the experience. Friendly performance challenges provide an extra motivational boost, while attractive prizes will be raffled among participants.
The Future Needs Skilled Workers
Experience shows that apprentices are highly interested in these challenges, reflecting the strong demand for training in the electrical and HVAC sectors. According to the German Electrical and Information Technologies Association (ZVEH), more than 15,500 young people chose vocational training in the electrical trades in 2025. Particularly popular was the relatively new occupation of Electronics Technician for Building Systems Integration, which recorded growth of four percent.
In the HVAC sector, the German Association for Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK) registered a total of 40,770 apprenticeship contracts last year for the occupation of Plant Mechanic for Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology. The electrical trades are also becoming increasingly attractive to women. Nearly 1,500 women began training as electronics technicians in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent. Nevertheless, recruiting qualified professionals remains one of the greatest challenges facing many companies. According to AndreasAlbrecht, Managing Director of the Guild and Trade Association SHK Hamburg, current apprenticeship numbers remain stable and encouraging. However, future demands, demographic change and market participants who recruit skilled workers without training their own workforce are expected to intensify the shortage. “GET NORD therefore plays a key role, as it provides the perfect framework for presenting young people with the secure career prospects and advancement opportunities available in the HVAC trades.” Timm Göckens, Managing Director of NFE, adds: “The energy transition will not fail because of technology. It will fail if we lack the skilled professionals needed to implement it. That is why we are consistently investing in the next generation, actively encouraging more women to join our trades, and focusing on training programmes that keep pace with the demands of increasingly digital and climate-neutral building technology. GET NORD is the decisive platform for bringing these future-oriented topics to life, fostering direct dialogue with talented young people, and laying the foundations for a strong and diverse industry.”
The Major HVAC Championship for Plant Mechanics
A permanent fixture of GET NORD is the German National Championship for HVAC Plant Mechanics (Hall B1, Upper Level). Here, the country’s most talented young professionals compete against each other and demonstrate their expertise at the highest level. Competitors are required not only to demonstrate craftsmanship and technical knowledge, but also creativity, precision and resilience under pressure. Working against the clock, they must professionally plan and implement a modern sanitation and heating installation. Every action counts, as quality, functionality and flawless execution ultimately determine who earns the title of German Champion.
The HVAC sector urgently needs exactly this type of highly qualified young talent to drive decarbonisation and successfully implement the heating transition. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers and the large number of businesses lacking succession plans are further exacerbating the situation. According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, in 2021 more than 22.4 percent of employees in HVAC occupations were between 55 and 64 years of age. A significant portion of these professionals will retire in the coming years. The championship therefore not only highlights excellence in craftsmanship but also demonstrates how essential the promotion of young talent is for the future success of the HVAC industry.
Sheet Metal, Zinc and Pure Action
One of GET NORD’s most popular attractions is the Marketplace for plumbers (Hall B3, Ground Floor). Here, modern sheet-metal craftsmanship comes alive, showcasing the possibilities it offers for roof and façade design. Visitors can witness how a unique architectural element is created from a simple sheet of metal through a series of often highly intricate manufacturing steps. Combining craftsmanship, precision and attention to detail, the trade transforms basic materials into eye-catching features that give buildings their distinctive character.
The area also hosts the German Plumbers’ Championship, where the country’s best regional champions compete for the national title. Technology enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit the Tools and Equipment section (Hall B4, Ground Floor), where the latest trends and solutions for milling, sawing, drilling and many other trade applications are presented and available for hands-on testing.
The Hotspot for the Next Generation
The ground floor of Hall B1 is the beating heart of tomorrow’s trades. At the Creator Stage@GET NORD, young craftspeople meet inspiring personalities, engage in meaningful conversations and discuss the latest industry topics. Together with SHK.Radio, the trade fair brings the voices, trends and ideas shaping the future directly to the stage. A special focus is placed on women in the trades. Authentic role models share their experiences, challenge existing stereotypes and highlight the opportunities and career prospects available to the next generation.
Another major attraction in Hall B1 is Startup@GET NORD by VdZ, organised in cooperation with the VdZ – Association for Building and Energy Technology. Here, entrepreneurial spirit meets industry expertise. Young founders connect with established companies, build networks and develop ideas across the entire heating and building technology value chain. Whether it is smart planning software for heat pumps and heating-load calculations, 3D room capture and digital twins, automated customer communication, or tenant electricity solutions based on solar energy, startups demonstrate just how innovative, digital and future-oriented the trades already are today.
Safety First: Occupational Safety Seminars
In 2026, GET NORD will once again cooperate with the BG BAU (Construction Industry Employers’ Liability Insurance Association) and BG ETEM (Energy, Textile, Electrical and Media Products Employers’ Liability Insurance Association) to offer occupational safety seminars for apprentices in the HVAC and electrical trades. Industry experts will examine various risk and stress factors that apprentices may encounter and provide detailed guidance on effective protective measures.
