PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 Training& Education 37


Why we need a better air-ducation system


Unqualifi ed engineers are often faced with the challenge of having to install quite complex modern ventilation systems, with potentially serious consequences for the health and well-being of building occupants. Stuart Smith from Zehnder Group puts forward the case for specialist contractors and a nationally-recognised competency course for ventilation installation and design.


T


here is an urgent need for specialised training in M&E contracting to address the fact that there


are no recognised courses for ventilation design and install. Don’t get me wrong, the UK is home to some of the best M&E contractors in Europe. These individuals are the frontline champions installing, maintaining and servicing air distribution systems to keep buildings of mass occupation healthy and working effi ciently. So, how can it be that still


now, over 80% of the customer service calls we receive are about our products’ going wrong’ yet, on investigation, the majority of these are a result of poor installation or maintenance. You only need to look at social media to see some of the horror stories that result from mistakes.


Skills shortage There’s no doubt about it; we are facing a critical skills shortage, particularly among professionals trained in ventilation system design and installation. It is a complex, multi-faceted industry issue. Where ventilation systems


were once little more than a fan in a box, modern units are now sophisticated pieces of innovative technology that need specialist knowledge for install and commissioning. These systems include intelligent digital controls, air fl ow calculations and building-specifi c zoning, which can’t just be slotted into place by any tradesperson. They need to be handled


by trained professionals who understand building structure, the importance of the right ducting, how air will move through the building and compliance with building regs – as well as how to deliver optimum environmental comfort and integration with other building systems.


A poor install can have serious


eff ects on a building’s fabric, causing condensation issues that can lead to toxic black mould, excessive use of energy that drives up the running costs of a building and, most alarmingly, pose a health risk for the


Stuart Smith Commercial director at Zehnder Group UK


occupants inside through poor indoor air quality – well known to aff ect the productivity of a workforce and lead to serious illnesses and respiratory diseases. Bad airfl ow through a building can also have a profound eff ect on overall occupant wellbeing due to extreme noise levels of the pressure through the ducting. Yet this is happening across the industry, and we are fi nding all manner of tradesmen trying to install and commission ventilation products to save time and budget on builds (new and refi t). Why? Because there are not enough specialist M&E contractors who are ventilation qualifi ed and can do the job – meaning quotes aren’t competitive enough and the result is shortcuts are being taken, and so the cycle continues.


Without staying ahead of building regulatory changes, product


development and modern methods for installs, they risk falling behind as ventilation technology


continues to evolve


Generational gap While part of the problem is the lack of young talent entering the trades from colleges and schools, in ventilation, the gap is also generational.


When you look back 20-plus


years ago there was a unique skill set in the ventilation industry – installers and ventilation engineers had a deeper understanding of airfl ow principles, system balancing and installation best practice – what is good and what is bad – and designers understood the equations required for eff ective ventilation from each fan specifi ed to a build. While technology has


changed and evolved to a more sophisticated level of output and digitisation, these core principles remain relevant and as important at every install, yet it’s been forgotten.


But unlike air conditioning or


boiler installs, there are currently no nationally recognised qualifi cations for ventilation design and installation. Apprentices and early-career contractors have no formal route into the fi eld.


You could argue that air conditioning and boiler installs are potentially dangerous and could cause serious harm if not fi tted correctly, which is why there is a greater focus on qualifi cations in these sectors. Yet the recent news agenda shows us – through Covid and the recent cases of health issues and death due to mould and air pollution – that lack of good ventilation in both homes and working buildings can also be fatal.


The case for change Several industry associations are pushing for a national competency framework for ventilation. Such a qualifi cation would equip apprentices with a well-rounded knowledge set and profi ciency that they can develop and pass down to others as they progress their career. However, current proposals


are limited and heavily skewed toward residential installation. If we want to improve public health and restore confi dence within the industry we must go further - developing robust, practical qualifi cations that also encompass commercial applications, allowing skill sets to really fl ourish. And better training wouldn’t just impact at the entry level. With a national roll-out of ongoing development courses, working contractors can continue to upskill too. Without staying ahead of building regulatory changes, product development and modern methods for installs, they risk falling behind as ventilation technology continues to evolve and we gain a greater understanding of how ventilation impacts a building. The industry is shifting, and


we have to continue to adapt with it. With Building Regulations, such as Part F and Part L, now demanding more emphasis on ventilation performance and energy effi ciency, understanding how to design, analyse and optimise eff ective ventilation systems is essential. It is easy to see therefore, that without this knowledge and a good understanding of the building regulations for ventilation, the industry is falling short with unqualifi ed engineers being made responsible for installing these complex systems.


Supporting role In the absence of a nationally recognised college qualifi cation in ventilation design and install, it’s falling to the private sector to act. Training, led by manufacturer


investments, in collaboration with educational institutions and industry associations could be the answer. By developing specialised programmes in ventilation technology, HVAC and related fi elds within engineering and construction qualifi cations, young talent can be off ered a taste of M&E expertise and champion action through experience. There is also an opportunity to take advantage of progressive technological interests in young apprentices, highlighting the industry’s commitment to innovation and technology adoption. With ventilation systems now incorporating smart technologies and sustainable practices, it makes the fi eld appealing to those interested in cutting-edge solutions and digitisation.


At Zehnder Group UK, we’re exploring how we can better support the industry with training not just in design, installation and commissioning, but also in post-install service, diagnostics and ongoing system maintenance. After all, protecting the long-term effi ciency of a ventilation system means going beyond the handover - off ering end-to-end knowledge that protects the performance of the system, the reputation of the contractor and the health of the building’s occupants for years to come.


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