Young people who are about to choose a career and want to get involved in environmental protection beyond their private lives now have a wide range of professions to choose from. There is no strict definition of professions in environmental protection, also known as sustainable professions. Rather, these professions cover a spectrum of activities and topics, such as reducing harmful environmental pollution, avoiding waste and emissions, and protecting the climate. However, the 14 "green apprenticeship professions," which are primarily found in the agricultural sector and the food industry, are clearly defined: distiller, agricultural service specialist, fish farmer, forester, gardener, housekeeper, farmer, plant technologist, dairy technologist, dairy laboratory assistant, horse farmer, gamekeeper, animal farmer, and winemaker.

Employers in environmental protection include research, industry, planning offices, municipal service providers, and local government. The place of work also varies accordingly, from outdoors in nature to laboratory work to office work. After completing school or dual training, further training and engineering courses leading to bachelor's and master's degrees can follow. Training in environmental protection is therefore particularly suitable for young women and men interested in science and technology.

Technical progress plays a role in environmental protection, which is why environmental professions can be found in the field of technology. New plants and machines not only speed up work processes, but also often consume fewer resources than older ones. In addition, there is advanced technology that is more energy-efficient than in the past, keeps nature and the environment clean, and safeguards human health in the long term. There are numerous examples of this from various industries: the use of renewable energies, low-emission engines in the automotive industry, material recycling and waste recycling, reduction of flue gases, modern wastewater treatment, and much more. Challenges such as digitalization, climate change, and changing technical and legal requirements have made it necessary to modernize environmental technology professions. This is referred to as a reorganization, as the underlying training regulations have been updated and the professions have been given new names. The four new training regulations came into force on August 1, 2024.

After 22 years, the environmental technologist is replacing its predecessor, the supply and disposal specialist. The profession is trained in four specializations: wastewater management, pipeline networks and industrial plants, water supply, and recycling and waste management. Environmental technologists are important for our daily lives. Three of these professions work along the water cycle, because as one of our most precious resources, water—whether drinking water, rainwater, or wastewater—must be managed professionally. The fourth profession is in the field of recycling and waste management, because the proper disposal of waste for further use is becoming increasingly important. Despite the use of state-of-the-art technology, all four professions require manual skills and an interest in science. The training and work locations for cleaning and repairing pipes in the sewer system, rainwater and wastewater management at a sewage treatment plant, drinking water treatment, and the assessment of hazardous goods and waste are all very different. All four professions have in common an interesting training program with good remuneration in a responsible profession with attractive opportunities for further training. More detailed information on all four professions can be found in the list of links below.

The links at the end of the article provide information on the wide range of careers and employers in environmental protection. Our tip: Even if you’re interested in a different career path—such as becoming an office administrator—you can still get involved in environmental protection through your work. When looking for an apprenticeship, it’s worth considering employers whose corporate mission includes environmental protection—even if they offer training in other fields. To stick with the example, office clerks are also in demand at companies dedicated to environmental protection. Anyone interested in training to become an environmental technologist will find opportunities at municipal utility companies, such as the Municipal Waste Management (KAW) or the Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz.

Still looking for an apprenticeship for 2025? The exhibition “Your Training for the Environment—Apprenticeship Opportunities at Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz,” running from November 6 to December 30, 2024, at the Mainzer Umweltladen, is aimed at high school students who are currently looking for an apprenticeship position. Save the date: On Fridays, November 22 and December 6, an apprenticeship open house will take place at the Mainz Environmental Store from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. With plenty of “hands-on technology,” this is also a great opportunity to meet the Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz training team in person.