Heating and Ventilating Fitter

Also known as:

Plumber, Heating and Ventilation
Ventilation Systems Fitter

Introduction

Heating and ventilating fitters install, maintain and repair central heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They work in industrial or commercial buildings, on large-scale boilers, tanks and pipes. They use a variety of tools to carry out their work.

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Work Activities

Heating and ventilating fitters install, maintain and repair central heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning systems in large buildings.

There are some similarities with plumbers' work, but heating and ventilating fitters work on very large-scale equipment, installing miles rather than metres of pipes.

They install systems in premises such as office blocks, hospitals, schools, large stores, factories and power stations.

Heating and ventilating fitters install very large boilers, tanks, refrigeration systems, pipes, pumps and controls. After they have installed the equipment they test it to make sure that it is working efficiently and safely.

Their main job is fitting pipework to carry hot water, other liquids or gas. Fitters use bending machines to shape pipes that can be up to 50 centimetres in diameter. They use flame cutting equipment to cut pipes to the correct size. They then join the pipes by soldering or welding them. They usually work from drawings showing the planned layout of the whole system.

Heating and ventilating fitters may specialise in working with a particular material, such as copper, iron, steel or plastic.

Maintenance and repair work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs. In repair work, heating and ventilating fitters must find faults in the systems, replace or repair any damaged parts, carry out tests and make sure that the system works properly.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be a heating and ventilating fitter you need good practical skills and the ability to handle tools.

You must work carefully and accurately, following specifications and reading plans and drawings. You will have to make accurate calculations.

You should be physically fit, as you will have to lift heavy equipment (although ropes and pulleys are used for the heavier pipes). You will sometimes need to bend, kneel and work in cramped and awkward spaces, sometimes under flooring. You must have a head for heights as you may also need to work on scaffolding.

Some systems you work on may be very dusty. This may affect you if you have breathing difficulties.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Heating and ventilating fitters earn in the range of £300 - £390 a week, rising to £480 - £590. Top earners can make around £630 a week. Hourly rates are in the range of £11.00 - £13.50 an hour.

Heating and ventilating fitters work a 38-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

You may work for specialist heating and ventilation companies and with industrial engineers throughout the UK. Some heating and ventilating fitters are self-employed and work independently.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained in, for example, engineering or metal forming, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

Short-term and seasonal employment is often available for the self-employed or for those working as sub-contractors.

• 42% of heating and ventilating engineers are self-employed.
• 3% work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.