Berkan is a project manager in the building services engineering department at ZÜBLIN.

Let’s get straight to the technical details: what does your job title, ‘TGA Project Manager’, actually involve?

Building services engineering encompasses all technical systems within a building. It is divided into two main areas: mechanical systems and electrical engineering. I am responsible for the mechanical systems – these include, amongst other things, heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing. Building services engineering is becoming increasingly important, particularly in modern construction projects, and can now account for up to 50 per cent of the total construction volume.

How did you come to get this job?

After completing my degree in mechanical engineering, I initially worked as a project engineer and project manager at an engineering consultancy. In 2022, I joined ZÜBLIN as a planning coordinator specialising in building services. I have now been working in my current role as a project manager in the building services sector for over a year.

What are your responsibilities as a TGA project manager?

In my role, I coordinate the technical planning of the building services systems. This means that I do not design the systems myself, but rather formulate briefs, manage external designers and review their design documents. In doing so, I pay particular attention to technical feasibility, the interfaces with other trades and adherence to the project objectives.

During the construction phase, my focus shifts to the building site. There, my main responsibilities include supervising and coordinating the building services work, resolving technical challenges and ensuring that quality, deadlines and processes remain in harmony.

What do you find particularly important in your working environment?

For me, it’s important that the work isn’t just a good fit professionally, but that it’s also enjoyable – and that works best when I’m surrounded by a good team. I value the open dialogue with my colleagues, the mutual support and the confidence that we can always rely on one another.

I enjoy working in a team because, together, we can simply achieve more. Sharing knowledge, supporting one another with complex tasks and a sensible division of responsibilities make working together effective and rewarding. For me, trust, mutual respect and a good working atmosphere form the basis of a positive working environment.

What skills do you need to be successful in your job?

Success in my profession requires, above all, sound technical expertise. I need to understand complex systems, oversee their implementation and, in doing so, always take into account current standards as well as energy and economic requirements.

Interpersonal skills are just as important: when working with different trades, specialist planners and clients, strong communication skills, assertiveness and organisational talent are essential. It is only through the combination of technical know-how, team spirit and a sense of responsibility that buildings are created which function seamlessly – and inspire at the same time.

How can you get started in the building services engineering sector?

There are various ways to enter the building services engineering sector. There is a wide range of vocational training programmes and degree courses specifically geared towards the subject matter of technical building services.

Traditional vocational training programmes include, for example, plant mechanic, electronics technician for energy and building services, ortechnical systems planner. 

At university level, degree programmes such as utilities or building services engineering, energy and environmental engineering, civil engineering or mechanical engineering with a specialisation in technical building services are available. It is also possible to enter the field from a different background with a technical background.

You can find out more about Berkan’s day-to-day work in the video: