Heating & Ventilation Fitter / Welder
The Work
Heating and ventilating fitters install heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in all types of new building and upgrade and repair systems in older buildings. The materials they work with include steel, copper, iron, plastic and stainless steel.
Fitting involves installation of boilers, radiators, pumps and of pipe-work to carry the fluids and gasses required. The piped systems may be serving a chilled water air conditioning system and/or a central heating system, or could be for transporting natural gas.
Welding is an important part of the work, and involves joining metal parts by applying intense heat, so that they flow together and become permanently joined, forming load-bearing, leak-proof joints. Electric arc or gas flames are used.
Ductwork is used to provide clean air or remove used air from areas within buildings. Ductwork installers carry out this work.
Fitters and welders work to plans and specifications which detail where all components should go, the type of pipe-work required and where joints and bends are needed.
Once the system is installed it must be tested and fitters need to understand the limitations and properties of the materials used to manufacture the pipework.
Hours and Conditions
The basic working week is 38 hours. However, many craftsmen work around 45 hours.
A lot of time will be spent indoors, either in new or existing buildings, but some work may be outside, working on buildings under construction where you will be exposed to the elements. As a large part of the work involves installing pipework, this will often mean working in cramped conditions. It may also be necessary to work from ladders or scaffolding.
It will be necessary to wear protective clothing such as safety helmets, masks or goggles.
Skills and Interests
To be a heating and ventilating fitter you should:
Training
NVQ / SVQs are available at Level 2 in:
and at Level 3 in:
As well as assessing your practical skills, the NVQ in England and Wales will incorporate the appropriate technical knowledge-based certificates.
At Level 2 these are:
And at Level 3:
The NVQ / SVQ is normally available on a part-time or day-release basis through colleges and training centres. If you are already employed within the industry but do not have qualifications, you can work directly towards the NVQ/SVQs. Mature entrants wishing to enter the industry should check entry requirements with training providers, as mentioned in the entry section.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Apprenticeships in the industry are generally for four years, broken down into block or day release at college and work-based learning on site with an employer.
For engineers working in the domestic field, stringent controls on the energy efficiency of domestic boilers are being introduced through Building Regulations from April 2005. To meet these new standards the Energy Saving Trust, in conjunction with local Learning and Skills Councils and partners, are providing one-day training and assessment workshops for gas installers, plumbers and domestic heating engineers. The workshops lead to the City & Guilds Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating (6084). At the moment the award is a voluntary qualification. For details see Further Information below.
Some service engineers may also install, service and repair oil-fired equipment, such as heating systems and cookers. Training to work with oil-fired equipment follows the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry's (OFTEC) training and accreditation scheme, contact OFTEC for more information (see further information).
Opportunities
Employers range from specialist heating and ventilation firms to large organisations such as local authorities and health authorities. A number of fitters are self-employed. It is also common for several fitters to work together for a firm as sub-contractors.
Because of the increased demand in servicing and maintenance areas, this area of work is less affected by economic fluctuation than many areas in construction.
Promotion is possible to foreman / woman or site supervisor. It is also possible to undertake further study for Edexcel national or higher national qualifications. This would give access to degree level studies and employment as contract manager or design engineer. With enough experience and responsibility it would then be possible to apply for recognition as a chartered engineer.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Craftsmen receive around £18,179 based on a 38-hour week. However, most craftsmen work an average of around 45 hours a week and this, inclusive of overtime premium rates, would result in an annual figure of around £23,000.
Further Information
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SummitSkills
www.summitskills.org.uk
Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry (OFTEC)
Tel: 0845 6585080
www.oftec.co.uk
