Heating & Ventilation Engineer

Job Description:

Building services engineers design, install and maintain equipment in buildings, like air-conditioning, heating or water systems.

Job Category:

Energy & Utilities

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

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

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.