International
© FSKZ e. V.
17.02.2025

Infrastructure is Key Factor for Energy Transition

Skilled workers essential for infrastructure

Wires, cables and pipes are often referred to as the lifelines of our modern society. Many may now think directly of the supply of essentials such as electricity and the internet. However, other essential media such as water, gas or heat are also transported via pipe systems. In the latter cases, mostly through plastic pipelines.

The importance of these pipe networks is indispensable for our society. What is often not immediately apparent is the enormous importance of the skilled workers who install and maintain these pipelines. The qualification to weld pipes professionally is not only learned according to strict standards, but is regularly tested even after acquisition to ensure the safety of the infrastructure.

The largest provider of plastic pipe welding in German-speaking countries is the SKZ Plastics Center. At its location in Peine, Lower Saxony, Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil and the Mayor of Peine, Klaus Saemann, recently came to see the institute's training courses and range of tasks for themselves.

Insights into the Peine training center

The politicians had many questions about plastics processing, the shortage of skilled workers and pipeline construction in their luggage and were able to gain an impression of the training during a tour of the SKZ site.

“We are always pleased to have the opportunity to discuss current industry challenges and problems with political decision-makers. We see the fact that Federal Minister Heil has already visited us twice as a great appreciation of our work,” explains Andreas Grzeskowiak, Site Manager of the SKZ in Peine. Future topics such as the H2-readiness of the gas pipeline system or the expansion of the district heating network and the negative effects of the shortage of skilled workers on economic performance were also discussed in small groups during the visit.

© Detlef Hellwig, SKZ
Federal Minister Hubertus Heil learns about the plastic pipe welding process. © Detlef Hellwig, SKZ

Finally, the visitors had the opportunity to experience a training course for plastic welders first-hand, gaining insights into the practical transfer of knowledge and wishing the participants every success in their upcoming exams.

(Source: FSKZ e. V.)

Schlagworte

CablesInfrastructureJoiningJoining PlasticsPipesPlasticsWeldingWires

Verwandte Artikel

08.11.2026

EuroBLECH 2026 Highlights Industry Resilience

With 1,000 exhibitors from 37 countries, EuroBLECH 2026 demonstrated the sheet metal working industry's continued commitment to technological development, bringing togeth...

AI Automation Coating Cutting Euroblech Joining Laser Cutting Metal Work Sheet Metal Smart Factory Software Surface Treatment Sustainability Welding
Read more
07.11.2026

Kunststoffindustrie fordert Ende der Plastiksteuer-Diskussion

Die Initiative „Wir sind Kunststoff“ begrüßt, dass das Bundeskabinett entgegen des vorläufigen Agendavorschlags keine Plastiksteuer im Eilverfahren beschlossen hat.

Bundesregierung Fügen von Kunststoffen Joining Plastics JP Kunststoff Kunststoffverarbeitung Kunststoffverpackung Plastik Plastiksteuer
Mehr erfahren
06.11.2026

Ceresana-Prognosen zum wachsenden Weltmarkt für Farben und Lacke

Ceresana hat den weltweiten Markt für Bautenfarben, Holz- und Industrielacke analysiert. Die neue Marktstudie prognostiziert bis 2035 ein Nachfragewachstum von etwa 2,9 %...

Beschichtungen Harze Joining Plastics Lacke Marktstudie Nachhaltigkeit Polymere
Mehr erfahren
WeldCube Navigator provides welders with clear guidance through digitalized welding sequence plans and ensures that the work steps are performed correctly.
05.11.2026

Easy Standard-Compliant Welding

Fronius supports companies in developing standards-compliant welding products with a comprehensive spectrum of products and services.

AI Automated Welding Automation Battery Cobot Welding Cobots Compliance IT MAG MIG Robots Standards TIG Weld Seam Welding Welding Torch
Read more
From the real welding process to digital simulation
03.11.2026

Simulated Welding Processes: What is Possible and What is Important

How do you get a perfect welding process right from the start?

Additive Manufacturing DED Directed Energy Deposition Distortion Joining Residual Stress Software Weld Distortion Welding Welding Parameters Welding Simulation
Read more