Heating and ventilation fitters install heating, ventilation, air conditioning and extraction systems in all types of domestic, industrial and commercial buildings including:

• homes
• factories
• hospitals
• offices
• shops.

Hours and Environment

Heating and ventilation fitters normally work a 39-hour week. Sometimes, overtime may be necessary and some positions include on-call duties.

Work is mainly indoors in new or existing buildings, but some work may be outside on buildings under construction. A large part of the work involves pipework installation, which often means working in cramped conditions. Some tasks include working from ladders or scaffolding.

Fitters move from one site to another, so a driving licence is usually required.

Skills and Interests

To be a heating and ventilation fitter you should:

• have good practical skills
• have a methodical approach and enjoy problem solving
• have good numeracy skills for measurements and calculations
• be able to follow detailed technical diagrams and specifications
• be able to work in a team
• be physically fit
• have a head for heights
• have good eyesight and normal colour vision
• be aware of health and safety issues.

Entry

A common entry route for young people age between 16 and 24 is to take an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering services (see Training section for contacts). You will normally need at least four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in subjects such as maths, English or Welsh, science, and design and technology or equivalent vocational qualifications.

Entrants aged over 24 are not normally eligible for the apprenticeship scheme unless already employed in the industry. You should check with individual training providers for alternative options and entry requirements, as it may be necessary to be in related employment or have relevant experience to get on a course.

The Edexcel (BTEC) Certificate/Diploma in Building Services Engineering may be a useful alternative if not employed in a related industry. It contains options covering:

• heating
• ventilation
• air conditioning
• refrigeration.

Another option to gain entry to this type of work is to train as a welder. Check with local colleges for availability. See also, the profiles for Welder and Building Services Engineer.

For more information about careers in heating and ventilation, see the SummitSkills website in Further Information.

Training

Training is carried out on the job and you work towards NVQ/SVQ in Heating and Ventilating (6088) levels 2 and 3, following one of four pathways. You also undertake the accompanying technical certificate (6128) for each pathway (except in Scotland where these are not offered). The NVQ/SVQ pathways are listed below:

Level 2

• Domestic Installation
• Industrial Commercial Installation
• Maintenance of System Components
• Ductwork Installation.

Level 3

• Domestic Installation
• Industrial Commercial Installation
• Rectification of Systems
• Ductwork.

Depending on which pathway you take, you will also undertake additional training in fire safety, first aid, employment rights and responsibilities, ACS assessment for gas systems and appliances, and safe handling of refrigerants.

The NVQ/SVQ is normally available on a part-time or day-release basis through colleges and training centres. For details on qualification routes see SummitSkills website in Further Information.

Some service engineers may also install, service and repair oil-fired equipment, such as heating systems and cookers. Training to work with oil-fired equipment follows the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry's (OFTEC) training and accreditation scheme, contact OFTEC for more information (see further information).

Part L of the Building Regulations – Energy Efficiency
Part L states that technicians fitting new boilers must hold the City & Guilds Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating (6084). This certifies that you are qualified to carry out the work in line with Part L requirements. Contact the Energy Efficiency helpline (in Further Information) or visit the Skills4business website for more details.

Opportunities

Employers range from specialist heating and ventilation firms to large organisations such as local authorities and health authorities. Self-employment is a further option. It is also common for several fitters to work together for a firm as sub-contractors.

Promotion is possible to foreman/woman or site supervisor. It is also possible to study for Edexcel higher national qualifications. This would give access to degree level studies and employment as an engineering technician, contract manager or design engineer.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Apprentices' salaries range from £8,500 to £14,800 depending on the stage of training.
Newly qualified fitters typically earn between £16,500 and £19,500.
With experience fitters can earn up to £25,000.

Further information

Tel: 08000 688336 Energy Efficiency Helpline
Tel: 08080 100222 Foxwood House
Dobbs Lane
Kesgrave
Ipswich
IP5 2QQ
Tel: 0845 658 5080