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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 in large buildings like factories, schools and hospitals.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a heating and ventilation engineer

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 in this job.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
  • Level 3 Diploma Building Services Engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 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 doing:

  • a building services engineering installer intermediate apprenticeship
  • a building services engineering craftsperson advanced apprenticeship

Apprenticeships can take 2 to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

Further information

You can get more advice about working and training in heating and ventilation from the Building and Engineering Services Association and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • analytical thinking skills
  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you'll:

  • fit heating equipment and pipework
  • install ductwork and ventilation systems
  • fit central heating systems in homes
  • design and install control panels that operate and adjust heating
  • plan and carry out regular maintenance and repairs
  • clean out older ventilation systems
  • make sure systems meet health and safety standards
  • work with renewable energy systems that use wind, tidal, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen power

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a heating and ventilation engineer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

HNC in Building Services Engineering (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: LIVERPOOL

C&G Diploma in Refrig, Air Con & Heating Sys L2

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: Gravesend
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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