Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

1. Field of work and areas of responsibility 

Certified senior water specialists are qualified to fulfil job-specific technical, organizational and managerial functions in private and public enterprises of different size as well as in different areas and fields of activity and they are able to adapt flexibly to changed methods and systems, to changing structures of work organization and new methods of organization development and personnel management and development as well as to cooperate in shaping technical and organizational change.
They are qualified and authorized to provide company-based training and further training (training skills).

2. Occupational skills 

Certified senior water specialists have many years of experience which they have as a rule acquired through relevant initial vocational training and further practical work. In order to perform the above-mentioned tasks, they command the following skills:

2.1 Job-related pedagogical skills

• General basic knowledge
• Cooperation in the recruitment of trainees
• On-the-job training
• Supporting the learning process
• Group training
• Completion of training

2.2 Basic skills

• Legal knowledge
• Knowledge of business management principles
• Application of information, communication and planning methods
• Cooperation in the enterprise
• Observing basic scientific and technical principles

2.3 Job-specific skills

- in the field of technology

• Participating in the planning of water supply plants as well as preparation, implementation, supervision and acceptance of construction work
• Supervising the operation of facilities with regard to quality and safety requirements
• Planning and supervising the use of resources and equipment
• Detecting and assessing failures and initiating corrective measures
• Arranging for maintenance of facilities and equipment and supervising maintenance work
• Controlling and monitoring operations

- in the field of organization

• Drawing up budgets and cost plans
• Monitoring the development of costs
• Cost estimating and preparations for contract awarding as well as implementation, supervision and acceptance of construction work
• Coordinating cooperation with other company units and third parties
• Informing and advising customers
• Observing and applying field-specific legal provisions as well as provisions governing occupational safety and health and environmental protection

- in the field of management and staff

• Line management taking into account company objectives and the abilities of the staff
• Encouraging and supporting staff in taking independent and responsible action
• Manpower planning and cooperation in the filling of vacancies
• Encouraging and supporting communication between staff, management and staff representation
• Appraisal of staff
• Ecouraging staff members' innovativeness, development and further training
• Assuming responsibility for training
• Implementing measures for achieving the quality management objectives.
   

3. Skills accreditation 

According to the Federal Government regulation of 23 February 2005 (Federal Law Gazette BGBl. Part I p. 349), the certified senior water specialist must have demonstrated the skills listed in section 2 above in an examination administered under public law with a focus on practical application and job-related skills. A certificate is awarded on passing the examination.

4. Examination requirements 

Before sitting the examination for certified senior water specialist, all candidates must have completed vocational training as water supply engineering technicians (Fachkraft für Wasserversorgungstechnik) or as supply and waste disposal specialists (Ver- und Entsorger) and have electrotechnical skills and at least one year's relevant work experience, or they must have completed vocational training for another recognized occupation or at least three years of practical work and have electrotechnical skills and at least two years' work experience, or provide evidence of a comparable qualification.
Furthermore they must prove that they have acquired job-related pedagogical skills and are thus suited to work as instructors.
Courses are offered to prepare candidates for the examination; their duration depends on the various specialist and managerial tasks.

Last modified on: April 27, 2007