Heating and ventilating fitter

Heating and ventilating fitters install, maintain and repair central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. They work on large-scale equipment including boilers, tanks and large pipes.

Also known as:

• Air conditioning engineer
• Refrigeration engineer
• Ventilation systems fitter

Work activities

Heating and ventilating fitters install, maintain and repair central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in industrial and commercial buildings. There are some similarities with plumbers’ work but heating and ventilating fitters work on very large-scale equipment.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a heating and ventilating fitter, you’ll need:

• Good practical skills and the ability to handle power and hand tools.
• To work carefully and accurately.
• Maths skills to help you to make accurate calculations.
• An awareness of the importance of health and safety in this industry.
• To be physically fit.
• An interest in how buildings are built.
• A head for heights, as you may also need to work on scaffolding.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Heating and ventilating fitters earn in the range of £20,000 a year, rising to £35,000 a year with experience.

Heating and ventilating fitters work a 41-43-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist heating and ventilation companies and industrial engineers. Opportunities for heating and ventilation engineers occur with contractors in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for heating and ventilating fitters to work independently as self-employed contractors.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of building services engineering installer could be a great way into this career path. Apprenticeships involve work- and college-based training. You will also receive training in subjects like health and safety.

Various BTEC qualifications could also be used as a stepping stone into this career. A subject such as construction would be most useful.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, such as construction site manager.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills gained in, for example, engineering or metal forming, are useful.

Related careers

• Plumber
• Shopfitter