New perspectives in Brigittenau: The challenges of the Green Jobs

New perspectives in Brigittenau: The challenges of the Green Jobs

in Vienna-Brigittenau there is a frosty climate on Monday morning. Despite the cold temperatures, the sun has difficulty passing the cold of the last night. Sven and Mirko, two craftsmen, prepare for their working day on the roof of a historical building. Their rope fuses are ready to ensure the necessary security, while they balance weird roof at dizzying heights of about twenty meters on the steep, sloping roof. These "green jobs" are part of the growing initiative for the energy transition, but work is anything but easy.

The two craftsmen who call themselves "Eco Roof Master" actively get involved in the area of climate protection. Despite the appealing titles that were awarded on the advertising page for ecological professions, such as "Green Energy Magician" for electricians or "Eco Pipe Ninja" for heating installers, there are particularly hard work behind these modern names. The great interest in these professions is reflected in the entry salaries that are between 1,700 and 2,000 euros net. Nevertheless, the new “environmental warriors” also have to face the physical challenge.

The hard reality of the assembly

The first major step is to transport the materials to the roof. Sven and Mirko are dealing with bulky assembly rails for photovoltaic modules that are much longer than the elevator here in this building. The only way out: a cable that transports the material directly to the roof. If the large modules that weigh 21 kilos are brought to the roof, the team has to carry them on foot - not an easy task.

Sven reports that sometimes he moves over a ton of material per day. At least he wrestles the challenge much too much. However, his boss Max can assess the physical stress well: "There is more and more the body," he says. Especially with jobs on sloping roofs, the burden is great, which can also quickly affect back and muscles.

The daily routine is hard. In order to continue with their work, Sven and Mirko must first remove bricks and then attach them again, which is repeated almost a hundred times. This movement is particularly painful and lets the alarm bells ring in Mirko after two days when it dragged himself from the construction site - nerve infection is determined as a diagnosis.

The challenges in the electrician trade

Not much easier, Günther, who is also employed as a "Green Energy Magician" on the construction site. While he installs the necessary technology, he has to transport a massive 70-kilo battery via a spiral staircase-a feat, which he "juggles", as he puts it laconically. He also needs excellent software knowledge because all devices have to communicate with each other so that the generated solar power can be optimally used. 

It also becomes clear that many craft professions are far less known than you might be assumed. Max says: "Many don't even know what to expect". Better information offers for students: Inside in polytechnic schools, it would be necessary to clarify the real requirements and challenges of the professions. It is important not only to rename these professions, but also to communicate the actual work that is behind it.

Even after days and through physical exertion, the assembly of the photovoltaic modules can hardly come to an end. Hard winds make life difficult for the workers and contribute to the delay. The modules that you mount have a large target, which can be dangerous when storming. In winter the cold is an additional enemy; Nevertheless, the fitters work all year round and prepare themselves against the elements.

Men have to adapt constantly, but the changes in the industry also have challenges. Max notes that "a large part of the apprentices simply do not hold out". The pressure, which is exercised by experienced fitters on the apprentices, can initially overwhelm. Similar to Max, who looks back on the challenges of his own teaching, many know how hard the craft can be and what it really means to practice "green jobs".

On the fourth day, the fitters are finally ready to complete the installation of the system. Thanks to Max's personal use, you will be able to fix the modules and lay all the necessary cables. However, the feelings of happiness about the deadline does not hide the pain and challenges that every working day brings with it. You could say that the lots of work behind the "Eco Roof Masters" is anything but a game.

For further detailed information about the challenges and reality of "Green Jobs" in climate protection, See the current article at www.wienerzeitung.at .