Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning Technician
Description:
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians help design and supervise the building, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems and equipment.
Tasks and Duties:
- oversee the assembly of machinery
- make recommendations on how to improve machinery
- calculate costs and the amount of equipment required to build machines
- give advice on installing equipment and machinery
- test and repair equipment and machines
- may monitor equipment and machines to improve mechanical processes
- may prepare drawings and develop machines according to requirements
- may prepare contracts and contact suppliers
- may plan and give advice on equipment and machinery maintenance work
- may supervise and work with staff at power and manufacturing plants.
Skills:
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians need to have excellent mechanical engineering skills, as well as technical drawing and computer skills for designing machines and equipment. They should have problem solving skills and good communication skills. They also need to be well organised and able to manage their own time and projects. They also need to be well organised and able to deal well with people.
Knowledge:
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians must have a sound knowledge of maths and physics. They need to know how machines work and how to design, build and maintain them. They must also know about welding processes, metals and their properties, and need to keep up to date with changes in technology, equipment and manufacturing methods They must know about safety rules and methods. They must also know about equipment, new technology, heating and ventilation engineering design, and up-to-date industry trends and methods of installation. Often they have completed a Fabrication Light apprenticeship.
Personal Qualities:
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians should be accurate, practical and have an eye for detail, able to make decisions quickly and work well under stress, patient and confident and able to work well independently and as part of a team.
They should be responsible and able to make good judgements. They should also be practical and accurate.
Physical Requirements:
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians should have good hand-eye co-ordination.
Educational Requirements:
NCEA Level 1 in English, maths, science, graphics and workshop technology.
Entry Requirements:
A drivers license is generally required.
Useful Experience
Labouring in an engineering workshop.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Apprentices/trainees attend block course and complete correspondence course to learn the skills needed.
Work Places
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineers work in workshops and factories.
Salary
Salary varies, but usually ranges between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.