Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£37,440
Currently employed in Scotland
16,600
Five year job forecast
+6.60%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would install and service heating and air conditioning systems. You’d help people and organisations save energy by making the systems as efficient as possible.
You’d work on systems in large buildings like office blocks, factories, schools and hospitals. You would make sure that systems work as efficiently as possible to reduce fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and help people to save energy.
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 like office blocks, hospitals and schools
- Ductwork installer - put in ductwork and ventilation systems in large buildings like 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 engineers y- 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 like ground source heat pumps, which take the heat from underground and pump it to the surface into buildings to supply warm air.
You’d need to be able to read and carefully follow technical plans and diagrams.
You’d need to be comfortable working in confined spaces and have a good head for heights. You might need to work outdoors in all sorts of weather.
A safe and methodical approach is important.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
55%
Part-time
1%
Self employed
43%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Making decisions
- Taking initiative
- Developing a plan
- Analysing
- Working with technology
- Verbal communication
- Cooperating
- Building relationships
- Problem solving
Build your skills
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Click here to view / add your skillsGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
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.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses and employers)
- Maths (required by many courses and employers)
- Science subjects (required by many courses and employers)
- Technologies subjects such as engineering science
You will also need
- 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 will need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
A driving licence is required for some jobs.
Helpful to have
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.
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