Heating and ventilation engineer
Install and service heating and air conditioning systems in large buildings. You’d help people and organisations save energy.
About the job
What it's like
Heating and ventilation engineers make sure buildings stay comfortable and safe by installing and maintaining systems that control temperature and air quality. If you enjoy practical work and problem-solving, this role could be a great fit!
You'll focus on designing, fitting and servicing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. You’ll help keep homes, offices, hospitals and factories at the right temperature and make sure air is clean and fresh. It’s rewarding to know your work directly affects people’s comfort and health.
Heating and ventilation engineers are needed in construction, facilities management, manufacturing and even the energy sector.
Within this role, you could specialise in areas such as renewable heating systems, air filtration or smart building controls. There’s also the chance to focus on either installation or maintenance, depending on your interests.
Your tasks might include:
installing and testing heating and ventilation systems in new buildings
diagnosing faults and repairing boilers, pumps or air conditioning units
carrying out regular maintenance checks to keep systems running efficiently
adjusting controls to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions
reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
advising clients on system upgrades or energy-saving options
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
install energy-efficient heating systems or heat pumps
help reduce carbon emissions by improving building ventilation
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
YouTube — watch a day in the life of a heating and ventilation engineer apprentice
ACRIB (Air Conditioning ans Refrigeration Industry Board) — provides information and news in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump industry
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Energy -
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
The main route in is through a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (SVQ Level 2/3), a National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas such as:
Heating and Ventilation Studies
Plumbing and Heating
Access to Building Services Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Heating and Ventilating.
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5. You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF levels 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of the industry and practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCFQ level 3).
Once in a job, if you work on oil-fired equipment you may find it useful to follow the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry's (OFTEC) training and registration scheme.
Normal colour vision for some tasks/roles
To be physically fit
A good head for heights
If your job involves working or training on a construction site you'll need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
A driving licence is required for some jobs.
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