Heating and ventilation engineer

As a heating and ventilation engineer, you'll:

• follow design blueprints to fit heating equipment and pipework
•  install ductwork and ventilation systems
•  design and install control panels that adjust heating systems
•  find and fix faults
•  plan and carry out regular maintenance and repairs

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a heating and ventilation engineer to be a green job, you could:

• use natural airflow in buildings to reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation systems
•  install heating systems powered by renewable energy sources
•  fit automated wireless controls that regulate temperature and humidity more efficiently

Find out more about green careers

• practical skills for installing equipment
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of building and construction
• analytical thinking skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could:

• supervise a team of engineers
•  move into a managerial role
•  work in technical sales

With further training, you could become a building services engineer, facilities manager or heat pump engineer.

You could also set up as self-employed and run your own business.