5 reasons to consider training as a heating engineer

With the UK moving away from fossil fuels as part of the plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, there are concerns that heating engineers have an uncertain future. Companies are reporting declining interest in training programmes and advertised positions, and consumers are waiting weeks for urgent home heating repairs due to a shortage of workers with the necessary skills to make the fixes. 

However, this trend is based on unfounded fears. Transitioning from traditional gas boilers to eco-friendly alternatives could take decades as each building in the country needs to be revamped, and the specialist knowledge and practised hands of heating engineers will be more invaluable than ever. Additionally, as with all elements of the construction industry, heating systems are being revolutionised rather than discontinued and still require expertise to maintain and design.

If you enjoy practical work and want to play a part in the nation’s sustainable future, there are many reasons to consider training as a heating engineer in 2025. Explore five of the most important below.

1 – High demand

Buildings are integral to our lifestyles, from our homes to where we work and enjoy leisure activities. You can trust that there will always be a need for buildings, and therefore a requirement for engineers to maintain indoor heating systems whether this involves repairing boiler piping or fitting solar panels to the roof. 

Currently, there is a shortage of heating engineers qualified to fit heat pumps, the UK’s main sustainable solution for home heating. Heat pumps work by transferring hot air from outside or heat from the ground inside via a network of underfloor pipes. These complex systems are relatively new technology and there is a lack of people educated in how they operate and how to install them. The government is offering a grant towards discounted heat pump training and you’re guaranteed plenty of work as a reward for your efforts.

2 – Varied jobs

Heating engineers are responsible for the entire heating system of a building so you can be sure of varied jobs from week to week during your career. One day you might be sourcing boiler spares for an emergency fix, the next you could be discussing how to overhaul an old system. 

This diversity adds interest so you’ll never be bored which will help to keep you happy and motivated even after years of working as a heating engineer. You’re more likely to stay in the job for a sustained period, giving you greater financial security and a better chance of climbing the ladder to more senior positions with higher salaries.

3 – Economically sound

You can be confident in heat engineering as a lucrative career path. There is a consistent demand for your services, and you can charge a high rate for your specialist skills. 

This is especially true if you can fit sustainable systems, due to the shortage of engineers trained in those areas. According to recent research conducted by Indeed, solar consultants and installers are some of the highest-paying sustainable jobs on the market at the moment.

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4 – Sustainable future

We’re in an era where preserving the environment is a priority and this is showing no sign of stopping, so you can be sure of a sustainable future in more ways than one as a heating engineer. You can expect investment and evolving technologies to bolster your career as you help develop an eco-friendly infrastructure in the UK.

5 – Flexible working

Finally, as a heating engineer, you can design your career around your lifestyle. You can lead a team to free up your time, be your own boss and work hours that suit you or help train other engineers in a structured 9-5 role that doesn’t involve weekend working or emergency call-outs. 

You could also attach yourself to a company as a consultant for the security of regular work without having to source opportunities yourself.