Heating and Ventilating Engineer

Heating and ventilation systems ensure that buildings provide the right environment for living and working. The heating and ventilating industry installs innovative systems and new technologies to make a building as energy efficient as possible.

To do this, the industry requires highly trained people who have the skills to install increasingly complex systems. Engineers carry out a diverse range of duties:

• cutting, forming, welding and joining pipe and duct work
• ensuring systems meet the design requirements for the building
• maintenance and servicing
• installing entire systems in large buildings
• domestic central heating installation.

Salaries range from around £9,000 for an apprentice to more than £30,000 a year.

Heating and ventilating engineers need:

• ability to follow technical drawings, building plans and other instructions
• good written and communication skills
• good problem-solving skills and the ability to work well in a team
• normal colour vision, for some work
• an interest in how and why things work.

Most work takes place at construction sites. Engineers usually travel to work on projects and may be required to work away from home. Employers may provide a vehicle.

Engineers will be expected to wear hard hats, high-visibility jackets, safety shoes and other necessary equipment when on construction sites.

Most heating and ventilating engineers are employed by specialist mechanical and electrical contractors and consultancy firms, many of which are based in large cities.

Many engineers start through an Apprenticeship. The entry requirements for an Apprenticeship are likely to be at least three GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent. Applicants also have to pass a colour vision test and a selection test.

The Diploma in construction and the built environment or in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.

It takes between two and four years to be trained as heating and ventilating engineer involving time in college or a training centre combined with on the job training.

Apprentices work towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 together with a technical certificate, depending on the degree of responsibility.

Some qualified engineers progress to NVQ Level 4 or degree level which can lead to registration with a professional body. There may be opportunities for promotion, self-employment or work overseas.

Further details