The industry is wide open for the next generation of professionals who wish to make a comfortable living in an industry that is in perpetual demand. Young installers and the next generation of professionals not only provide a non-negotiable fixture in our lives, they also play a central role in aligning two primary goals for the UK.

One being the objective to build 300,000 new homes per year, all of which will require a heating system that is equipped to provide energy in a more sustainable way that reduces emissions and lowers energy bills. The other is the goal the UK has set of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The importance of reaching this target has many implications for future generations.

There are many benefits to a career in the heating and hot water industry that are not being communicated to young people. In order to fill the demand in the labour market, it is crucial for the next generation to be educated on how they can start a career in an industry where they will actively contribute to a greener future that is less reliant on non-renewable energy.

Educating the next generation

Worcester Bosch has made an effort to spread the word about the benefits of working in the heating and hot water industry by visiting schools up and down the country and sponsoring events. However, it needs to be more of a priority to educate young people on the kinds of careers they can have in order to make real change and help thwart the negative effects of CO² emissions.

The home heating industry is changing rapidly, and it is imperative for the labour market to rise to meet the demand. The message or communication of having a sufficient base of skilled workforce starts at school level and educating on the topic of making sustainable, energy efficient choices in everyday life.

An interest in the industry can be sparked by asking a few simple questions; are you environmentally conscious, with a desire to make active change in an industry that will always be in demand, with the opportunity to revolutionise the way we use energy?

Mind the age gap

The industry has an aging workforce compounded by the requirement to upskill to meet the modern industry standard of newly emerging technology.

With a workforce that will reduce significantly over the coming years, mainly due to retirements, there will be a large demand for younger, innovative workers who are trained in the latest spec of home heating systems.

Due to the aging workforce, there is a reluctance to invest the time into re-training in renewable technologies and instead many will mostly prefer to specialise in the types of installations that have been the industry norm for decades.

This creates a gap in the market which needs to be filled by the next generation of home heating professionals with the right training to match the continuing developments in the industry.

Future prospects

The cost of living is rising significantly due to soaring energy bills that are reliant on non-renewable energy sources.

This is a harsh reality we will all have to consider for the long term which is why net-zero carbon emissions and an innovative, young workforce with a greener approach to energy means that the potential to make real change in how we shape our future exists in the industry.

As it is a necessity, there will always be a demand for heated homes. However, the price of heating our homes and the availability of resources is changing.

Perks of the job

Worcester Bosch provides an apprenticeship scheme to kickstart the careers of the next generation of home heating professionals. A career in this industry provides a comfortable living in an industry that is ubiquitous.

Considering the landscape, virtually every inhabited home in the UK has a home heating system so the current prospects are bright as the government aims to provide three million new build houses over the next decade – all of which will require a home heating system with a sustainability focus and a look ahead to a greener future.