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Heating and ventilation engineer

Alternative titles for this job include HVAC engineer

Heating and ventilation engineers install and service heating and air conditioning systems in buildings like offices, schools and hospitals.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee engineer job. 

Courses include:

  • plumbing and heating
  • building services engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship. Examples include:

  • Building Services Engineering Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Building Services Engineering Installer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Building Services Engineering Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have qualifications and experience in building services engineering or plumbing.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering for professional development training and industry news.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in heating and ventilation engineering from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a heating and ventilation engineer, you'll:

  • follow design blueprints to fit heating equipment and pipework
  • install ductwork and ventilation systems
  • design and install control panels that adjust heating systems
  • find and fix faults
  • plan and carry out regular maintenance and repairs

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a heating and ventilation engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • use natural airflow in buildings to reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation systems
  • install heating systems powered by renewable energy sources
  • fit automated wireless controls that regulate temperature and humidity more efficiently

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height, cramped and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • supervise a team of engineers
  • move into a managerial role
  • work in technical sales

With further training, you could become a building services engineer, facilities manager or heat pump engineer.

You could also set up as self-employed and run your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Building Services Pipework Installer Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 140 FENCHURCH STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND

Building Services Pipework Installer Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Neptune Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Building Services Engineering Higher National Certificate

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Birmingham

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Gravesend
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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