Become an Oil Heat System Technician
Help solve heating issues and keep homes warm.
An Oil Heat System Technician installs, repairs and services oil burning and oil combination burning equipment and appliances.
Key Skills Needed
- Mechanical aptitude
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Math skills
- Customer service skills
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Safety awareness
Jeff highlights the parts of the job people might not expect, including the problem‑solving involved and the importance of clearly explaining how systems work to customers.
Pathways to Certification
- Direct Entry
Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed. Most apprentices spend about 80% of their time on the job and 20% in training. - Pre-Apprenticeship
Take a program at a college or training institution to build foundational skills before starting your apprenticeship. - Trade Experience
If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.
Working Conditions
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Use hand tools, testing equipment and diagnostic instruments
- Some lifting, awkward spaces
- Perform scheduled maintenance and emergency service calls
- Travel required
- Work in residential, commercial and industrial settings
- Follow safety procedures when working with fuel, electricity and heating equipment
