Installer (Installateur)
Information on this skill...
An installer is an installation technician who specializes in the construction, modification, maintenance and modernization of technical installations. In addition, an installer may be responsible for inspecting technical installations. Installation technology covers various disciplines, such as construction, road construction, industry and infrastructural installations. As an installer, you can work in different fields, but the work always has to do with installation technology or technology. Exactly which work an installer performs depends on the training received and the field in which the installer works. Installation technology therefore consists of different professions, which cannot simply be compared with each other. For example, mounting air ducts is very different from installing a cooling installation. Because there are different installations, there are also different installers. Depending on the installations, an installer can work on simple installations or on complex installations. A simple installation is, for example, a heating system, which can heat a home. A complex installation is, for example, a heating installation, which must heat an entire office building. These different installations are made and maintained by specialized installers, who in many cases are responsible for specific work. An installer is therefore a mechanic of technical installations, which can vary from simple to complex installations. Especially in large buildings and on factory sites, complex installations are used, which can only be built and maintained by specialized installers. These installations are usually so complex that they are designed by specialized engineers. As an installer, you usually work from a working drawing when it comes to large complex installations.
Installer is therefore a general term for professionals working in installation technology. Total installation technology is a large industry, which consists of various professions. Most installation companies use different disciplines, so that they can offer multiple services that do have common ground with each other. Consider, for example, a plumber, who not only installs heating pipes, but also performs other work, such as zinc work and sewerage work. In addition, a plumber can install or adjust water pipes and gas pipes if necessary. Most installers should be seen as all-round employees, who can work within different disciplines in installation technology. Building new complex installations is usually a combination of different installers, because installations usually consist of various technical components, such as pipes, pumps, electronics and the software for the control. Large technical installations usually consist of several technical components, which must work together to function. Consider, for example, the air conditioning system, which must be connected to the central boiler house in order to be able to cool a building if necessary. In order to be able to cool a building, it is necessary that ventilation technicians install ventilation ducts. Ventilation ducts are also installed to allow air exchange in buildings. Installing ventilation ducts is usually not easy, because it concerns large buildings.
WHAT DOES AN INSTALLER DO
What an installer does exactly depends on the specific profession. For example, an installer may also be responsible for installing and maintaining refrigeration installations, lift installations, security installations or antenna installations. These are all examples of different installers who work within the installation industry. Installation technology is an important industry for everyone, because without good installers, much is not possible. Consider, for example, the cooling or heating of buildings, traffic installations, escalators and the safe use of electricity. The installation industry is a complex sector, in which there is constant innovation. Think, for example, of engineers who work every day to design new combined heat and power installations to achieve a higher efficiency. This type of complex installation is also equipped with control panels, which are built up by panel builders. A panel builder is an electrical installer. The installation industry is an industry in which it is important to continue to develop, because new techniques are constantly being devised and applied.
WHAT DO INSTALLATION COMPANIES DO
Installation companies are responsible for the construction, adaptation, maintenance, modernization and inspection of technical installations. Technical installations occur in many different ways. Think, for example, of solar panels, ship installations, factory installations and windmills. So it is not the case that installation companies are only responsible for installing boilers or sinks. Within installation technology, there are many more specializations, which require different professionals.
WHAT DOES AN INSTALLER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN INSTALLER
The profession of installer is too general to be able to name a specific training. There are therefore various courses, which are usually at MBO level three or four. Furthermore, it is not possible to name a specific training, because there are so many different professions within installation technology. If an installer works at a higher level, the Hbo degree in mechanical engineering will usually apply. In general, as an installer you are never finished learning, because there are so many possibilities within installation technology. New techniques and possibilities follow each other quickly, making further training important. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE AN INSTALLER CAN BE EMPLOYED
An installer generally works for an installation company, which can perform various activities. It is not possible to name a specific company, because there are so many different companies within installation technology. In addition, as an installer it is perfectly possible to work as an entrepreneur. Most installers who work as independent entrepreneurs have a lot of knowledge and experience. This is important, because an installer has to deal with different installations.
COMPETENCES INSTALLER
The most important competence of an installer is the professional knowledge of technical installations. An installer must be able to install and maintain technical installations independently. Further training is also important, because there is always innovation within the installation sector. It goes without saying that an installer must be able to be regarded as an all-round mechanic and technician. Because an installer will in many cases work together with different colleagues, you will also have to have good communication skills. Generally important words are independence, knowledge, insight, safety, planning, organizing, sense of responsibility, precision, flexibility, consultation and perseverance.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN INSTALLER
The labour market perspective of a well-trained installer is good. An installer will not easily run out of work, because the demand for installers is high. In addition, there are many different professions within installation technology, so finding a suitable company is no problem at all. The career opportunities of an installer depend on your own competencies and the level of education. A managerial position may sooner or later be possible. Starting your own business can also be seen as growing.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY INSTALLER
As an installer, you will usually fall under the collective labour agreement for small metal or the collective labour agreement for installation technology, in which the employment conditions are regulated depending on the employer. What exactly an installer will earn can vary per profession, but in general an installer will earn a salary between 1700 and 2500 euros gross per month depending on age, education and further responsibilities. A self-employed installer can usually earn more than in paid employment, depending on the number and type of assignments.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Installateur auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Instalador en español.
Lees deze informatie over Installateur in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl