A career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in the UK offers promising opportunities, particularly as demand for skilled professionals grows. With a focus on low-carbon goals and retrofit initiatives, now is a great time to start. This guide outlines the necessary qualifications and apprenticeships. It emphasises the importance of continual education in the HVAC sector, making you aware of the need for ongoing learning and development to succeed.

1. Level 2 Heating and Ventilating Qualification 

Overview 

The Level 2 HVAC apprenticeship focuses on foundational heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) skills. It typically includes:

  • Competence and Knowledge Qualifications: Apprentices must complete a combined qualification that includes practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
  • Mandatory Skills: Essential skills and qualifications in areas such as the application of numbers, communication, and ICT.
  • Pathways: Specific pathways include:
    • Installing industrial/commercial heating and ventilating systems
    • Servicing and maintaining heating and ventilating systems
    • Refrigeration
    • Air-conditioning

Duration: The Level 2 HVAC apprenticeship is designed to be flexible, accommodating the diverse needs of its participants. While the typical duration is around 2 years, it can be adjusted to fit your schedule, balancing on-the-job training with classroom-based learning.

Institutions

City & Guilds 

  • Overview: Heating and Ventilation qualifications offered by City & Guilds consist of a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Heating and Ventilating. Usually this programme includes installation and maintenance of heating and ventilation systems which would help learn fundamental skills for those who start working in the HVAC field. At Level 2, there are three different qualifications:
    • Diploma in Heating and Ventilating Industrial and Commercial Installation (6188-20)
    • Diploma in Heating and Ventilating Ductwork Installation (6188-21)
    • Diploma in Planned and Reactive Maintenance on Heating and Ventilating Equipment (6188-22).
  • Credits: Around 81- 86
  • Cost: Around £272 (Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Heating and Ventilating Industrial and Commercial Installation)

 

EAS Mechanical

  • Overview: EAS Mechanical provides a Level 2 Heating and Ventilation Installer apprenticeship. This two-year programme includes one day per week of college attendance. It focuses on practical skills for industrial and commercial installations.
  • Credits: Around 81- 86
  • Cost:
    • 16-18 years old: No cost to the employer; eligible for a £1,000 grant.
    • 19 years and older: A contribution of 5% of course costs, totalling £900 (£300 per year).

 

LCB College

  • Overview: LCB College provides a Heating & Ventilation Building Services Engineering Installer Level 2 NVQ Diploma. This part-time course requires employment within the heating and ventilation industry and covers various essential units related to HVAC activities.
  • Cost: £3,120 for the 2023/24 academic year. Prices may increase annually.

 

 

2. Level 3 Heating and Ventilating Qualification 

Overview 

The Level 3 HVAC apprenticeship is designed for individuals who have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship or have equivalent experience. This programme focuses on advanced heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) skills. Key components include:

  • Competency-Based Qualification: Apprentices must complete a qualification demonstrating their ability to perform tasks independently.
  • Knowledge-Based Qualification: This includes theoretical knowledge essential for understanding HVAC systems.
  • Pathways:
    • Senior heating and ventilating engineer
    • Heating and ventilation project leader or manager.

Institutions

City & Guilds

  • Overview: City & Guilds also offers Level 3 NVQ Diplomas in Heating and Ventilation.
  • Details: This level is for those with considerable experience or who have completed Level 2, focusing on working with minimal supervision on more complex systems. There are three qualifications available at this level:
    • Diploma in Heating and Ventilating – Industrial and Commercial Installation (6188-30)
    • Diploma in Heating and Ventilating – Ductwork Installation (6188-31)
    • Diploma in Planned and Reactive Maintenance on Heating and Ventilating Systems (6188-32)
  • Cost: Around £272 (This fee applies to the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heating and Ventilation.)

 

EAS Mechanical

  • Overview: After completing the Level 2 qualification, apprentices can progress to EAS Mechanical’s Level 3 program.
  • Details: This programme builds on the foundational skills acquired at Level 2 and focuses on advanced installation and maintenance techniques.
  • Cost: If the Apprentice is still 18, it will be funded for free. For apprentices aged 19 and over, the current rules state that the employer must contribute 5% of the funding over the two-year programme, as shown on the factsheet.

 

3. Level 4 Apprenticeships in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Overview 

In the UK, Level 4 apprenticeships in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) are broadly included in the Building Services Engineering programmes.

  • Available Apprenticeship Programmes: Building Services Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship (Level 4): This programme covers various aspects of building services engineering, including HVAC systems.
  • Duration: The duration of the apprenticeship can vary but typically lasts around 3 years

Institutions

LCB College

  • Overview: LCB College offers a Building Services Engineering Technician apprenticeship at level 4. During years one and two, an apprenticeship completes a higher technical qualification (HTQ) within Building Services Engineering Technology. The units involved are principles of heating services, building information modelling, construction practice and management, and principles of ventilation and air conditioning.
  • Cost: The government and employers usually pay for the cost of training and offer a wage during an apprentice’s learning period.

4. Online Courses

John Academy

  • Programme: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician Course
  • Overview: This course covers the basics of HVAC installation and maintenance, preparing one for a career as an HVAC technician.
  • Cost: £23.99. An Accredited Certificate of Achievement is available in PDF format for £ 11.99 or hardcopy for £14.99.

 

 

Apex Learning

    • Programme: Level 3 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
    • Overview: This comprehensive course covers everything needed to know about HVAC systems, preparing students for various HVAC jobs in the UK.
    • Cost: £19.99

 

 

General Entry Requirements

Level 2 HVAC Apprenticeship

  • Minimum Education: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, typically at grades D/3 or above.
  • Prior Experience: No prior experience in HVAC is usually required, making it suitable for beginners.
  • Age: Open to individuals aged 16 and above.
  • Additional Skills: A basic interest in mechanical and electrical systems or building services.

Level 3 HVAC Apprenticeship

  • Minimum Education: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grades C/4 or above. A completed Level 2 HVAC qualification or apprenticeship is often required.
  • Prior Experience: Relevant work experience or a Level 2 qualification in a related field may be advantageous.
  • Age: Open to individuals aged 16 and above.
  • Additional Skills: A strong interest in problem-solving and understanding technical systems.

Level 4 HVAC Apprenticeship

  • Minimum Education: A completed Level 3 HVAC qualification or equivalent (e.g., BTEC Extended Diploma in Building Services Engineering), GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grades C/4 or above.
  • Prior Experience: Industry experience is often required, either through previous apprenticeships or employment in HVAC-related roles.
  • Age: It is available to anyone at least 18 years old, which makes it rather attractive for individuals with more defined career aspirations.
  • Additional Skills: Strong analytical and technical skills, with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Overview of HVAC Career Prospects after Apprenticeships 

  • Skilled Technician Roles: Apprenticeship graduates can typically start as HVAC technicians, focusing on the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This provides a steady job in a high-demand industry.
  • Specialisation Opportunities: After gaining experience, technicians can specialise in refrigeration, air quality control, or green technologies, focusing on energy-efficient solutions. These specialisations sometimes come with higher pay and, most importantly, enhanced job stability.
  • Career Advancement: With experience, HVAC technicians can move into supervisory roles, project management, or even establish their companies. Others may decide to become service managers, contractors or estimators, managing big projects or even a group of workers.
  • Continual Education: HVAC technology is constantly changing, particularly regarding systems technology and environmentally friendly energy sources. HVAC employees should be constantly educated and certified since their careers give them the chance to learn new technologies in the trade.

The UK is experiencing a skills gap in the HVAC sector. There is a growing demand for qualified professionals to meet low-carbon goals and retrofit initiatives, which presents significant opportunities for individuals entering the field.

As the demand for HVAC professionals rises, pursuing the right qualifications and apprenticeships can lead to a successful career. By following the mentioned pathways and obtaining the necessary qualifications, you can establish a successful career in the UK’s HVAC industry. With growing opportunities in this essential field, you can attain a satisfying career by acquiring these skills and expertise.