INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Bridging the skills gap – ensuring the future of heating engineering
Across the commercial heating sector, the landscape is evolving rapidly as we strive for low-carbon, energy- efficient solutions in public buildings, offices, factories, schools, and hospitals. Amid the drive towards Net Zero and renewables, Steve McConnell, director, ICOM, addresses the pressing concern shared by many in our industry: a shortage of qualified heating engineers to meet the challenges of the energy transition
T
his is not simply a workforce issue; it is a risk to achieving our decarbonisation goals. The commercial heating industry
requires skilled engineers who can design, install and maintain advanced, efficient systems within complex facilities, ensuring safety, reliability and sustainability. Without sufficient new talent entering our industry, our ability to support the energy transition is under serious threat. At ICOM, we are passionate about encouraging
the next generation of engineers, and the ICOM Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Adey Commercial, celebrates the outstanding young people who will take our sector forward. This year, we were delighted to recognise
Hayden Openshaw, maintenance and operations engineering apprentice at Fulton Boiler Works GB Ltd, as our 2025 winner. Judged by Ian McCluskey CEng FIMechE FIGEM, head of technical and policy at IGEM, Hayden’s entry stood out for his commitment to continuous learning, excellence, and his clear demonstration of integrity and respect for his colleagues and workplace. Hayden’s journey is an example of how
Connor Clewes, Hayden Openshaw and Daniels Mansfelds
structured, well-supported apprenticeships can develop the engineers we will need for a low-carbon future.
The challenges for young people
It is important to recognise the barriers many young people face when trying to enter our industry. Another finalist, Daniels Manfelds, an electrical engineering and control systems trainee at Cochran Ltd, shared how difficult it was to secure opportunities due to his age and lack of ‘timed service’, despite clear enthusiasm and ability. Daniels initially explored sound engineering
Hayden Openshaw
through volunteering in musical theatre but found the industry stressful and turned towards design, leading him to electrical engineering. After applying himself during two weeks of work experience at Cochran, he was offered a full-time role, but only after facing frequent rejections from other employers. “The best thing about my job is the diversity of work,” Daniels explains, “which helps my skill set
8 August 2025
www.heatingandventilating.net
and keeps each day unique and interesting.” His goal now is to complete his technician traineeship and eventually move into an engineering role, with aspirations to set up his own engineering consultancy in the future. Stories like Daniels’ remind us that while young people are eager to join and contribute, they often face unnecessary hurdles that may discourage them from entering our industry.
Addressing the skills gap
The commercial heating sector needs to act collectively and with urgency to address the skills gap. This requires: ¡ Promoting apprenticeships actively within schools and colleges, demonstrating that engineering in our sector offers a diverse, rewarding and stable career. ¡ Supporting diverse entry routes, ensuring there are opportunities for young people who may not follow a traditional academic path but who demonstrate clear interest and potential. ¡ Investing in training aligned with low-carbon technologies, including heat pumps, hydrogen-ready systems and advanced control solutions, to ensure apprentices are ready for the energy transition. ¡ Mentorship and structured development, helping young engineers build confidence and competence in real-world settings. ¡ Championing industry success stories, like Hayden’s, to inspire others while reminding businesses of the benefits of nurturing their future workforce.
A collective responsibility
We cannot afford to lose momentum. If we do not act now to attract and retain young talent, we will not have the engineers we need to deliver the sustainable heating systems required to meet national carbon reduction targets. As an industry, we have a collective responsibility to make apprenticeships accessible, engaging, and forward- thinking. At ICOM, we remain committed to supporting manufacturers, contractors, and the wider commercial heating supply chain to develop, train and celebrate the next generation of heating engineers. By addressing the skills gap head-on, we can secure a pipeline of commercial heating professionals, ready to deliver low-carbon solutions in all buildings in our communities. The energy transition cannot be delivered
by technology alone; it will be delivered by the engineers who install, commission, and maintain these systems. Let us work together to ensure we have enough qualified, passionate, and capable engineers to achieve it.
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