Heating & Ventilation Engineer
Job Description:Building services engineers design, install and maintain equipment in buildings, like air-conditioning, heating or water systems.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll be responsible for the heating, water, electrical and telecoms systems inside a building, such as an office block or shop. You might also involved in the design and installation of systems, or oversee their maintenance once up and running.
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- providing maintenance support
- overseeing contractors on site
- drawing up plans using CAD and building information modelling software
- estimating costs
- making sure jobs meet building regulations and health and safety requirements
- attending meetings and presenting ideas and progress reports
- coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople (teamwork skills)
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- analytical thinking skills
- practical skills for installing equipment
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Entry Requirements:
To become a Heating & Ventilation Engineer, you typically don’t need specific subjects, but having a strong educational foundation and certain skills can be beneficial for this role, which involves designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and ventilation systems. Here are some relevant subjects and skills:
- Mathematics: Strong math skills are essential for performing calculations related to system design, measurements, and troubleshooting.
- Science: Subjects like physics and chemistry can provide a foundation for understanding the principles of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and combustion.
- Design and Technology: Courses in design and technology can be helpful for gaining knowledge of mechanical systems and technical drawing.
- English Language: Effective communication skills, including written and verbal communication, are important for documenting work, liaising with clients, and collaborating with colleagues.
- Information Technology (IT): Proficiency in using computers and relevant software is valuable for tasks such as system modelling, data analysis, and project management.
- Mechanical Engineering: While not typically available, pursuing courses or qualifications related to mechanical engineering can provide a strong foundation for this career.
Post School
You’ll need to either:
- start on a graduate trainee scheme after completing a Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) accredited HND, foundation degree or degree in building services engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems control engineering
- take a degree apprenticeship, then take further qualifications to qualify as an engineer
Employers may also consider you if you have:
- experience of working as an engineer in a different industry, like acoustic, electrical, energy, environmental, mechanical, or power engineering
- a related degree, like electrical engineering, construction and the built environment, or sustainable construction
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll work for design consultancies, major building contractors, building services contractors, manufacturers of equipment, local authorities, government departments, hospitals, factories or power stations.
You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. You may have to work extra hours to meet deadlines. You may be on-call.
You’ll work in an office and on building sites.
You’ll usually need a driving licence.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into senior project management, quantity surveying or engineering design.
You could become a consultant.