THE HEAT & ENERGY BRIEFING


are vital to building the future workforce for commercial heating


Training, apprenticeships and competence W


The UK commercial heating sector is undergoing one of the most significant periods of change in its history. As the industry responds to decarbonisation targets, new technologies, evolving regulations and increasing customer expectations, the demand for highly skilled and competent engineers has never been greater, as Steve McConnell, director, ICOM, explains


hether working on commercial boilers, steam systems, heat pumps, controls or integrated energy systems, today’s heating engineers require


a broader range of skills than ever before. Technical competence, regulatory understanding and a commitment to continuous professional development are now essential requirements rather than desirable extras. At ICOM, we represent manufacturers and suppliers operating at the forefront of the commercial and industrial heating sector, and we see first-hand how investment in training and apprenticeships is helping to secure the industry’s future. Competence is more important than ever. The concept of competence extends far beyond simply holding a qualification. Engineers must be able to demonstrate practical skills, understand relevant legislation, work safely and keep pace with rapidly changing technologies. The increasing electrification of heating systems means that many engineers now require expertise across both mechanical and electrical disciplines. Alongside traditional gas competencies, engineers are increasingly expected to understand controls, system optimisation, commissioning, diagnostics and low-carbon technologies.


Competent Person Schemes (CPSs), like Gas Safe and NICEIC, play an important role in maintaining standards across the industry. Such schemes provide assurance that engineers have demonstrated the necessary competence to undertake specific categories of work safely and legally. For employers and customers alike, CPSs provides confidence that work is being carried out to recognised standards, while helping businesses comply efficiently with Building Regulations and other statutory requirements. However, competence is not achieved


through registration alone. It must be built through structured training, mentoring and ongoing development.


Apprenticeships create strong foundations


One of the most effective ways of developing competent engineers is through apprenticeships. The combination of formal learning, workplace experience and mentoring provides apprentices with a solid foundation on which to build a long and successful career. A perfect example is Hayden Openshaw of Fulton Boiler Works GB Ltd, winner of the ICOM Apprentice of the Year Award 2025. Since completing his apprenticeship, Hayden has rapidly progressed from working alongside experienced engineers to independently servicing and maintaining commercial heating equipment across the UK.


Reflecting on his experience, Hayden says: “I definitely recommend an apprenticeship. I think it’s the best thing I ever did. I was at sixth form initially, but I realised I wanted to do something more hands-on. With an apprenticeship, you get to earn while you learn, and every day you’re learning something new.” Hayden completed a Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, giving him experience across both disciplines. Since then, he has continued to build his expertise through additional training and qualifications, including commercial gas certification, LPG qualifications and specialist steam system courses. He is now preparing to undertake commissioning training. His experience highlights an important point:


6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2026


qualification is not the end of the learning journey.


The importance of mentoring


While formal qualifications provide essential


knowledge, much of an engineer’s development takes place on the job. For Hayden, support from experienced colleagues has been a key part of his progression. “I think I learn something new every day with whoever I’m working with,” he says. “It’s always interesting.”


Phil Rich, Service


Manager at Fulton Boiler Works GB Ltd, believes mentoring is fundamental to developing confident and capable engineers. “We feel it’s important to build people up and give them a sound base,” he explains. “We invest heavily in training and make sure our engineers receive OEM training from the manufacturers and suppliers whose equipment they work with every day. That’s the best training you can get.”


Phil also highlights the importance of gradual progression. Before achieving his commercial gas qualifications, Hayden worked alongside experienced engineers who supervised and signed off his work while he built his portfolio and demonstrated competence. That combination of structured learning, practical experience and supervision mirrors the approach that has long underpinned successful engineering careers.


Learning doesn’t stop after qualifying


One of the strongest messages emerging from Hayden’s story is that professional development is a continuous process. His ambition is to continue progressing throughout his career. “I’d like to carry on and do my HNC one day,” he says. “I hope to continue with my professional development through more training courses.” Phil sees this commitment to learning as essential. “We’ve pushed Hayden quite hard and he’s achieved every goal we’ve put in front of him,” he says. “Eventually he’ll be commissioning boilers, and after that we’d hope he’ll help bring through the next generation of apprentices.” This emphasis on continuous professional development is becoming increasingly important as technologies evolve and new regulatory requirements emerge.


Encouraging the next generation


Despite the opportunities available, many young people remain unaware of the rewarding careers that exist within the commercial heating sector. Hayden believes more needs to be done to promote apprenticeships in schools. “When I was at school there were lots of people talking about university and college, but we didn’t really have many people talking about apprenticeships. That would be a good place to start.”


His comments reflect a wider challenge facing the industry. As experienced engineers retire,


attracting new talent will be critical if the sector is to meet future demand. Apprenticeships offer a proven route into engineering careers, combining practical experience, recognised qualifications and the opportunity to earn while learning.


For employers, they provide a structured way of developing the skilled workforce that the industry increasingly needs.


Enter the ICOM Apprentice of the Year 2026


The ICOM Apprentice of the Year Award was created to recognise the outstanding young talent entering our industry and to celebrate the businesses that invest in developing them. Last year’s finalists – Connor Clewes of


Worcester Bosch, Daniels Manfelds of Cochran Ltd and winner Hayden Openshaw of Fulton Boiler Works GB Ltd – demonstrated exceptional commitment, technical ability and professionalism. We’d like to encourage all ICOM member companies to consider entering their apprentices and trainees for the 2026 award. The competition provides a fantastic opportunity to recognise individual achievement, showcase the value of apprenticeships and highlight the future talent within our sector.


As Hayden’s success demonstrates, today’s


apprentices are tomorrow’s senior engineers, managers and industry leaders. By investing in training, supporting Competent Person Schemes and encouraging continuous professional development, we can ensure that the commercial heating sector has the skilled workforce it needs to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.


Contact ICOM for an entry form for the 2026 Apprentice of the Year which will be presented at the ICOM Annual Lunch on 2 July 2026. www.icom.org.uk


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