Challenging, varied and always in demand, the role of a ductwork installer is vital to any ventilation or air conditioning installation. All large buildings need ductwork to carry cold warm or humid air into rooms to heat or cool them or to take unwanted or contaminated air away from areas. Ductwork is most commonly made from sheet metal, which is shaped and welded (technically known as fabricated) off-site.

The ductwork installer fits the prepared pieces together like a giant jigsaw, making sure they don't run into the other services such as electrics and piping. Especially with installations that are designed to remove unwanted or contaminated air, it is essential that the installation is airtight, as any leakage could be hazardous. It's an interesting job, always working on different projects in different situations. And the pay is good.

Working Conditions
All work is done on-site and you could find yourself working on any type of premises, even oil rigs or power stations. A normal working week is 38 hours although in the summer you may be asked to work longer hours to make the most of the daylight. Wage rates, sick pay, holidays and entitlement are all paid in accordance with the National Agreement and Trade Union guidelines to ensure equality across the industry.

Training
To become a fully trained, competent and safe ductwork installer takes around four years and consists of a combination of college courses supported by practical experience with an employer. For the first two years you will attend college on either a day-release or block-release programme (depending on which college you attend) to study an S/NVQ Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering Services: Heating & Ventilating (Ductwork Option). During this time you will be asked to keep a personal log which records all your activities, work experience and work based assessments. In your third and fourth years, you will continue to study this subject to an S/NVQ Level 3. On completion or your four years of training, you will have a recognised industry grading as a skilled operative / craftsman who is also eligible for an industry-recognised Building Engineering Services Skillcard.

Entry Qualifications
General skills:

• You will need to be a person who is practical and enjoys working with their hands.
• Being able to take a logical and methodical approach to tasks would be an advantage as you will be required to read drawings and specifications and turn them into a working installation.
• A head for heights would be beneficial as you may be required to work from scaffolding
• As good level of overall physical fitness is essential as this is a physically demanding job

Specific qualifications:

• Three GCSEs or SCE standard grades in English, Maths and a Technical subject. You may also be asked to sit further English and Maths assessments at interview stage
• General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) or the Scottish equivalent (GSVQs) in Construction and the Built Environment or Engineering
• Your National Record of Achievement and/or Record of Education & Training will also be considered

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