Varmeinstallatørfag

Varmeinstallatørfag is a vocational specialty within the plumbing and heating trades that focuses on the installation, commissioning, service, and maintenance of heating systems. The work encompasses a range of technologies, including central heating boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and connections to district heating, as well as associated controls, safety devices, and energy-management components.

Training typically combines on-the-job apprenticeship with theoretical instruction at a vocational school, culminating in a professional certificate in varmeinstallatørfag (fagbrev or equivalent) in many countries. The length varies, often spanning two to four years. The curriculum covers heating technology, plumbing and sanitation (VVS), electrical safety, energy efficiency, building regulations, and environmental considerations. Apprentices gain practical experience in installation, testing and commissioning, fault finding, maintenance, and customer service.

Typical tasks include selecting equipment, sizing systems, installing and commissioning boilers and heat pumps, installing radiators and underfloor systems, connecting to water, gas or district heating networks where permitted, performing routine maintenance, diagnosing faults, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards.

Regulation and scope: The trade is regulated by national vocational authorities. Holders may receive licensing or certification to install or service heating systems, with gas-related work requiring separate gasfitter credentials where applicable. The qualification is valued across the construction and service sectors and provides a pathway to senior installer roles, project coordination, or further specialization in renewable energy technologies.