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Mechanical Services Tradesperson

Mechanical services tradespeople install, maintain and repair the equipment used for heating and cooling buildings, or for controlling the temperatures in food storage areas.

Tasks & duties

Mechanical services tradespeople may do some or all of the following:

manufacture and/or install air-conditioning, heating and ventilation duct work and machinery
assemble and install pipe work for heating and cooling systems
install, set or adjust controls
check the system for leaks and faults
repair or replace faulty equipment
electrical work
welding

Specialisations

Mechanical services tradespeople usually specialise in heating and ventilation, refrigeration or air-conditioning. Within these areas they may specialise in sheet metal work, duct work installation, pipe fitting, welding or controls and instrument engineering.

Skills & knowledge

Mechanical services tradespeople need to have:

knowledge of mechanical systems, electricity and electronics
knowledge of refrigeration, air-conditioning, heating and ventilation systems
up-to-date knowledge of new heating and cooling equipment and methods
skill in interpreting plans
welding skills
maths skills
problem-solving skills
good communication skills
organisational skills

Entry requirements

To become a mechanical services tradesperson you need to complete a three-year apprenticeship and gain an Electrical Services Technicians' Certificate in Heating and Ventilation, a National Certificate in Heating and Ventilation, or a National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, under the supervision of a registered tradesperson. This includes attending block courses and completing workbooks by correspondence. For more information contact Tools4Work.

These apprenticeships are also part of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. For further information go to the Modern Apprenticeships website.

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education is required to become an apprentice. Useful subjects include maths, English, technical drawing, metalwork, woodwork and science.

Tertiary education

Pre-apprenticeship courses may be useful for people wanting to do an apprenticeship.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Mechanical services tradespeople also do courses to keep up to date with new technology in the refrigeration and air-conditioning fields.

Registration

The Licensed Building Practitioners scheme is being phased in between 2007 and 2011. This will require some mechanical services tradespeople to become registered.

Useful experience

Useful experience includes electrical and electronics work, factory work, or welding and sheet metal work. Plumbing or work as a mechanic may also be useful.