What is technology?
Technology is the field of science that connects theory with practice and deals with the application of scientific findings for the development, production, and use of devices, machines, processes, and systems. For this, it uses knowledge from subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, or computer science to develop concrete products or processes.
The goal of technology is to solve practical problems, improve processes, and support everyday life, industry, and society through technical solutions.
Technology deals with questions such as: How do you construct a stable building or an efficient machine? How can energy be converted and transported? How do modern communication tools work? How can industrial processes be automated?
Technology is very versatile and is divided into many specialized fields, such as: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering (chemical and bioengineering), civil engineering, medical technology, information technology.
What is a technician?
A technician in the scientific sense is someone who has studied engineering at a university. Today, there are Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. This requires studying at university for three, five, or eight years and passing various exams. A technician deals with the practical application of scientific findings and focuses on how theoretical knowledge from other scientific fields can be practically used to develop and improve devices, processes, or systems.
To achieve this, the technician translates scientific knowledge into practice, develops and designs, plans and optimizes processes, ensures the implementation of technical solutions, and checks and improves existing processes.
Depending on the specialized field, technology deals with different areas. Mechanical and vehicle engineering develops engines, machines, and plants. Electrical engineering deals with power supply, control systems, and communication systems. Civil engineering deals with the construction and implementation of buildings, roads, and bridges. Medical technology deals with devices for diagnosis and therapy. Environmental and energy technology deals with sustainable energy sources, recycling, and wastewater treatment, and information technology deals with hardware, networks, and software integration.
Technology as a school subject / Technology in the workplace
Technology is not a compulsory subject in schools but is often offered as an elective. In primary school, individual topics are often taught in general science classes. After school, there is the option of studying engineering. Furthermore, there are many vocational training professions in the field of technology, which can also be divided into specialized areas.
In the field of metal and mechanical engineering, there are several vocational training professions such as industrial mechanic, plant mechanic, cutting machine operator, tool mechanic.
In the field of electrical and energy technology, there are electronics technicians for plant engineering, for automation technology, for devices and systems, mechatronics technicians, information electronics technicians, system electronics technicians.
In the field of civil and surveying technology, there are construction draftsmen, surveying technicians, road builders, technical system planners.
In the field of information technology, there are IT specialists, IT system electronics technicians, microtechnology specialists.
In the field of process engineering and environment, there are also various vocational training professions such as chemical plant operator, materials tester, environmental technician for circular economy and waste management, waterworks operator.
Also in medical technology, there are vocational training professions such as precision mechanic, dental technician, orthopedic technology mechanic, hearing aid acoustician.