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TRAINING
Building the workforce for tomorrow’s burners
Graham Barker, director of residential key accounts and commercial & industrial (C&I) Service, Riello Burners, explains why training should not just be an add-on but a cornerstone of support for customers and the wider industry
T
he heating sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented change. From tighter efficiency standards to the drive for Net Zero,
engineers are being asked to deliver systems that are not only reliable but also smarter, cleaner and more sustainable. Nowhere is this more evident than in C&I heating, where system complexity and the demand for specialist knowledge are growing rapidly.
Against this backdrop, the question is not whether
training is important, it is how the industry ensures that the right skills are being developed, at the right scale, to meet future demand.
Why training matters now
Burner technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Modulating systems, dual-fuel options, and low-emission burners are becoming central to energy strategies in buildings of all sizes. Yet no matter how advanced the equipment, performance ultimately depends on the knowledge and confidence of the engineers installing and maintaining it. For many, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application. Understanding burner sizing, accessory matching, nozzle calculations, pressures and fault diagnostics are all essential, but engineers also need to apply that theory on live systems. A rounded training approach, combining both theory and practical application, is therefore vital.
Bespoke approaches for C&I
C&I applications bring a particular challenge. Each installation is different, and engineers must be able to adapt to the systems they encounter on- site. Bespoke training — delivered around specific equipment, or even at the customer’s premises — is one way the industry is addressing this. It allows engineers to learn in the context of their day-to-day work, increasing both confidence and competence.
Training and the skills transition
The industry-wide skills shortage is well- documented. At the same time, decarbonisation goals are reshaping the sector, demanding a new generation of engineers who can work with evolving technologies. Training is not simply about meeting today’s needs; it is about preparing the workforce
for tomorrow’s expectations. Manufacturers, training providers, and
employers all have a role to play in closing this gap. Programmes that focus on upskilling engineers are central to raising standards across the sector and ensuring that installations — whether in residential, commercial or industrial settings — can be delivered safely, efficiently and sustainably. As an example, Riello Burners has seen more than 200 engineers complete its training each year, with 239 already participating in 2025. These courses are structured to support professional development, blending theory with practical hands-on work.
Confidence through competence
Ultimately, training provides more than technical knowledge. It builds the confidence that enables
Above: Graham Barker, director of residential key accounts and commercial & industrial (C&I) Service, Riello Burners
engineers to take ownership of complex systems and make decisions that improve outcomes for end users. In a sector where safety, reliability, and efficiency are paramount, that confidence is as important as any piece of equipment. As the heating industry navigates the challenges
of decarbonisation and skills shortages, investing in people is not optional. It is the foundation on which the future of the sector will be built.
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