Heating and ventilation engineer
Install and service heating and air conditioning systems in large buildings. You’d help people and organisations save energy.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£385
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,667
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£20,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
13,400
people are currently employed
High growth
700 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
Heating and ventilation engineers design, install, and maintain systems that control the temperature, humidity and air quality in buildings.
Your tasks might include:
installing and servicing heating and air conditioning systems
working on systems in large buildings, such as office blocks, factories, schools and hospitals
making systems work as efficiently as possible to reduce fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and help people save energy
working with renewable energy systems that use wind, tidal, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen power
There are a variety of roles you could specialise in. You might work as a:
heating installer – fit heating equipment and pipework systems in buildings such as office blocks, hospitals and schools
ductwork installer – put in ductwork and ventilation systems in large buildings, such as sports stadia, airport terminals and shopping centres
service engineer – plan and carry out regular maintenance and repairs on all systems to make sure they are working safely and efficiently
commissioning engineer – test and check systems to make sure they meet their original design specification and do what the customer needs
control engineer – design and install the control panels that operate and adjust heating systems
domestic heating installer – fit central heating systems in homes and make sure they work properly
You might also work with renewable energy heating systems, such as ground source heat pumps, which take the heat from underground and pump it to the surface into buildings to supply warm air.
To be a heating and ventilation engineer, you'll need to be comfortable working in all kinds of conditions. You'll need to be able to read and follow technical plans and diagrams, and you might need to work in confined spaces or at heights. You'll also need to be able to work outdoors in all sorts of weather. A safe and methodical approach is important in this job.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- making decisions
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
The main route in is through a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (SVQ Level 2/3), a National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas such as:
Heating and Ventilation Studies
Plumbing and Heating
Access to Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Heating and Ventilating.
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5. You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF levels 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of the industry and practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCFQ level 3).
Once in a job, if you work on oil-fired equipment you may find it useful to follow the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry's (OFTEC) training and registration scheme.
Normal colour vision for some tasks/roles
To be physically fit
A good head for heights
If your job involves working or training on a construction site you'll need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
A driving licence is required for some jobs.
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