Heating and ventilation engineer
Heating and ventilation engineers install and service heating and air conditioning systems in buildings like offices, schools and hospitals.
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
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.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
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
You can get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship. Examples include:
- Building Services Engineering Installer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Building Services Engineering Craftsperson Level 3 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
You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have qualifications and experience in building services engineering or plumbing.
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:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.