Heating and ventilation engineer
Install and service heating and air conditioning systems in large buildings, helping people and organisations save energy.
About the job
What it's like
Heating and ventilation engineers make sure buildings stay comfortable and safe by installing and maintaining systems that control temperature and air quality. If you enjoy practical work and problem-solving, this role could be a great fit!
You'll focus on designing, fitting and servicing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. You’ll help keep homes, offices, hospitals and factories at the right temperature and make sure air is clean and fresh. It’s rewarding to know your work directly affects people’s comfort and health.
Heating and ventilation engineers are needed in construction, facilities management, manufacturing and even the energy sector.
Within this role, you could specialise in areas such as renewable heating systems, air filtration or smart building controls. There’s also the chance to focus on either installation or maintenance, depending on your interests.
Your tasks might include:
installing and testing heating and ventilation systems in new buildings
diagnosing faults and repairing boilers, pumps or air conditioning units
carrying out regular maintenance checks to keep systems running efficiently
adjusting controls to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions
reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
advising clients on system upgrades or energy-saving options
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
install energy-efficient heating systems or heat pumps
help reduce carbon emissions by improving building ventilation
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) – a trade body and membership organisation
ACRIB (Air Conditioning ans Refrigeration Industry Board) — provides information and news in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump industry
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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.
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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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
There are a few routes you can take to become a heating and ventilation engineer.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Heating and Ventilation Studies
Plumbing and Heating
Access to Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Heating and Ventilating.
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant HNCs or HNDs.
Work
Have you got qualifications or experience in building services engineering or plumbing? If so, you may be able to apply directly for heating and ventilation engineer jobs.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
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.
If your job involves working or training on a construction site, you'll need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
Heating and ventilation engineers must be physically fit and have a good head for heights.
You'll need normal colour vision for some tasks and roles you'll be asked to do.
A driving licence is required for some jobs.
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