Investing in the future of commercial heating
Steve McConnell, Director at the ICOM, explains why it’s important for the organisation to work closely with manufacturers, suppliers and heating professionals across the commercial and industrial heating sector, and why investing in people is essential if the industry is to maintain standards, improve performance and meet future demand.
Decarbonisation targets, advances in controls and building management systems, and the growing integration of low carbon technologies are all transforming the skills required of installers and service engineers working in the field. Today, their job today is far more complex than it was even a decade ago. Now, engineers can’t depend solely on their mechanical knowledge, but are increasingly needing expertise across combustion, controls, electrical systems, commissioning, diagnostics and system optimisation.
It means that training, apprenticeships and Competent Person Schemes (CPSs) have become more important than ever.
Competence Person Schemes
Commercial heating engineers are working on increasingly sophisticated systems. From high efficiency boilers and steam systems to advanced controls and hybrid heating solutions, equipment is becoming smarter and more integrated, meaning competence is about much more than simply being qualified.
Engineers must understand system design, installation, commissioning, servicing and fault-finding. They need to work safely and efficiently while keeping up to date with changing regulations and evolving technologies.
CPSs play a vital role in underpinning standards and ensuring compliance. Registration schemes such as Gas Safe provide essential reassurance that engineers are properly qualified to carry out gas work safely and legally.
Apprenticeships
But competence is not achieved by certification alone. It is built through a combination of technical training, practical experience and ongoing professional development.
One of the strongest routes into the sector remains apprenticeships. They provide the ideal balance between structured learning and practical experience, allowing apprentices to develop skills in real working environments while gaining recognised qualifications. This approach is helping to develop the next generation of highly capable commercial heating engineers.
A good example is Hayden Openshaw of Fulton Boiler Works GB, winner of the 2025 ICOM Apprentice of the Year award. Since completing his apprenticeship, Hayden has moved from working alongside senior engineers to independently servicing and maintaining commercial heating systems. His journey reflects the value of combining technical education with hands-on experience.
“Winning the ICOM Apprentice of the Year was a real honour,” says Hayden. “But for me, the biggest benefit has been the apprenticeship itself. You get to earn while you learn and gain real experience every day.”
Hayden initially began at sixth form before deciding he wanted a more practical career path. “I realised I wanted to do something more hands-on,” he says. “Looking back, taking the apprenticeship route was the best decision I made.”
The importance of mentoring and on-the-job learning
While classroom based learning remains essential, some of the most valuable development happens on-site. Commercial heating systems can vary significantly in complexity, and real-world experience is crucial for developing confidence and competence.
This is where mentoring becomes so important.
Hayden credits much of his development to working alongside experienced engineers during his apprenticeship and early career. “I learn something new every day,” he says. “Whether I’m working with other engineers or tackling jobs on my own, there’s always something new to pick up.”
Before becoming fully qualified, Hayden worked under supervision, servicing boilers alongside experienced colleagues who assessed his work and helped build his technical knowledge.
This gradual transition from supervised work to independent responsibility is a key part of developing strong engineers.
Phil Rich, Service Manager at Fulton Boiler Works GB, believes structured mentoring is essential. “We focus on building people up properly and giving them a strong foundation,” he says. “You can’t rush experience, but you can create the right environment for people to develop quickly and confidently.”
That environment includes practical exposure to installations, servicing, breakdowns and commissioning, supported by experienced colleagues who can pass on valuable knowledge.
Continuous learning
Completing an apprenticeship is not the end of the learning process. Rather, it is just the beginning.
The commercial heating sector demands continual upskilling, particularly as systems become more complex and increasingly integrated with electrical and digital technologies.
Since completing his apprenticeship, Hayden has continued to expand his qualifications. He has gained his commercial gas certification, added LPG qualifications and completed specialist steam training. He is also preparing for commissioning training, which will further expand his knowledge of programming, controls and full system set-up.
“I’ve completed everything I needed to officially qualify,” Hayden explains, “but I still want to keep learning and gaining more qualifications.”
That mindset is exactly what the industry needs. Employers increasingly recognise that ongoing training delivers significant long-term benefits: improved technical capability, better service standards, greater customer confidence and stronger staff retention.
Many ICOM members invest heavily in manufacturer-led training and specialist technical courses to ensure their engineers stay up to date with the latest products and technologies.
This is particularly important as low carbon heating solutions become more prevalent across commercial buildings.
Attracting the next generation
Despite the opportunities available, one major challenge remains: attracting enough young people into the industry. There is still a perception among many school leavers that university is the default route to career success.
Hayden believes apprenticeships need greater visibility. “When I was at school, there was a lot of focus on college and university,” he says. “There wasn’t much discussion about apprenticeships. That needs to change.”
The commercial heating sector offers rewarding, highly skilled careers with strong progression opportunities, but more needs to be done to communicate this to young people. The industry must continue promoting apprenticeships as a credible and attractive route into engineering.
Investing in the future
The future of commercial heating depends on a skilled, adaptable and competent workforce. As technologies evolve and customer expectations increase, the industry will need engineers with a much broader technical capability than previously. That means investing in apprenticeships, supporting structured training and maintaining a strong culture of continuous professional development.
Hayden’s success is an excellent example of what can be achieved through investment in people, quality training and strong mentoring. Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s senior engineers, commissioning specialists and service managers. By investing in them now, we are investing in the long-term success of the whole commercial heating sector.
