Occupational profile - heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR)

Heating and ventilation

Heating and ventilating installers install, maintain and repair central heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

They work on large-scale equipment including boilers, tanks and large pipes.

The modern heating and ventilation technician is at the forefront of technology (design, development, testing, installation, maintenance) associated with low carbon targets, energy conservation and renewable supply.

Air conditioning and refrigeration

There are two routes to qualification and apprentices must choose one:

• air conditioning
• refrigeration

The refrigeration air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) engineering technician is a specialist occupation.

It involves planning, preparing and safely carrying out work activities in process, product and space cooling.

Knowledge must be transferable between any of the core activities of refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pumping.

The work is carried out in a variety of applications essential for key UK business activities such as:

• food production
• product distribution
• retail storage and display
• transport and office climate control
• manufacturing processes (such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical)
• IT/ datacentres and medical/ healthcare services temperature and environmental control

Key activities include the design, installation, routine maintenance, reactive service, commissioning and de-commissioning of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Technicians require a thorough competency in their understanding of the engineering principles of thermodynamics and the vapour compression cycle in order to perform operations.

A fully competent technician works without immediate supervision and liaises effectively with other trades and end users.

Environmental, legislation and technology changes mean that the requirements for technicians in this sector are constantly evolving.

European and UK safety and environmental legislation are key drivers in rapid technology changes in the sector which is responsible for an estimated 10 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions and 16 per cent of electricity use.

RACHP engineering technicians have important responsibilities for the safety of themselves, work colleagues and the general public as well as minimising the environmental impact of cooling systems.

Common features

There is significant crossover between the main industries within the heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) sectors.

The HVACR sector embraces technical operations and projects relevant to the installation, servicing and maintenance, in industrial and commercial properties, of:

• heating
• ventilation
• air conditioning
• refrigeration
• heat recovery
• energy management
• hot and cold water systems
• fire prevention and protection
• pipework service and maintenance

Directly associated with these operations and projects are occupation areas which are specific to HVACR sector which include:

• installing, maintaining and servicing heating and ventilating systems
• commissioning heating and ventilating systems
• installing and commissioning ductwork and pipework systems
• installing, maintaining and commissioning air conditioning systems
• installing, maintaining and commissioning refrigeration systems

The HVACR sector is increasingly carrying out a wider range of tasks and projects, which include:

• principal contractors on construction engineering projects such as shopping and entertainment complexes, sports stadiums, hospitals, hotels and office blocks
• controlled building management systems – heating; air conditioning; refrigeration; environmental control
• complex installations in buildings and structures for commercial, industrial, recreational and transport purposes
• design, construction, installation and maintenance of building services for complex industrial manufacturing and processing

Core skills and knowledge

On completion of the requirements in this framework, you should, as a minimum, have the core skills and core knowledge needed to carry out the following in a safe and competent manner:

You should also be able to:

• apply professional judgement and support 
• challenge unsafe behaviours/activities
• demonstrate innovation through the identification of areas for improvement and suggestion and/or development of innovative solutions
• identify and manage risks to self and others
• keep work area clean and tidy
• manage own time effectively
• think logically and accordance with the demands of the situation using clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
• work effectively individually and in a team
• work in accordance with quality requirements
• work productively
• work safely and ensure the safety of others
• work within own level of competence and know when to seek advice from others

Core behaviours

Throughout the apprenticeship process you should, as a minimum, develop and display the following behaviours:

• assertive
• confident
• dressed appropriately
• empathetic
• fair
• honest
• proactive
• productive
• punctual
• reliable
• respectful (in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion)

Transversal skills

You will gain the following transversal skills:

Self-management

Accept responsibility for self.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• do what has to be done without having to be told
• work unsupervised
• react appropriately to situations
• be open to new processes and situations

Working with others

Work collaboratively both internally and with external customers and an awareness of independence.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• understand and provide customer service as it applies to role both internally and externally
• empathise with others’ points of view

Citizenship/ taking part in society

Understand and be considerate of the differing needs of different individuals and groups.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• engage with individuals with different backgrounds and needs
• show respect for the environment

Problem solving and decision making

Weigh up the pros and cons of new situations and identify key issues.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• approach a problem from different perspectives
• come up with unique responses to situations

Numeracy

Use data and arithmetic to support evidence or demonstrate a point.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• analyse data
• understand charts, graphs and statistical information

Digital literacy

Find, evaluate, use, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• format, organise and manage files and data

Communication and literacy

Use verbal, non-verbal and written communication and an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation.

Typical performance evidence at intermediate/ advanced will show you:

• engage persuasively using agreement and challenge
• understand when to compromise