How to Hire for HVAC in the Skills Shortage

The UK’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sector is facing a workforce challenge that could transform the trade for years to come.

Businesses in the construction, property services, and facilities management sectors are already finding that the available talent pool is dwindling daily. And as the UK gears up to go green with a host of heat pumps and low-carbon systems needed to meet net zero targets, the pressure is mounting. Those needing HVAC professionals no longer question the reality of the skills gap. They wonder how they can compete in the wake of it.

The Reasons for the HVAC Skills Shortage

The UK’s HVAC skills gap has multiple causes.

One is demographic: the population of qualified HVAC engineers and installers is skewed towards the older end of the age spectrum, and there have not been enough apprentices entering the industry to replace them when they retire. 

And then there’s the green energy challenge.

Heat pumps, energy-efficient appliances, and intelligent ventilation systems call for specialist knowledge and skills, but the supply of tradespeople with this expertise has not kept up with demand. Investment in vocational training has been limited, and there is a perception that working in HVAC is not as thrilling or prestigious as other kinds of engineering.

How the Shortage is Affecting HVAC Clients

For property services businesses, the talent shortage isn’t just an abstract issue; it’s a bottom-line problem.

Delays are becoming a common theme, as fewer engineers are available to complete contracting work in a timely fashion. And the cost of labour is rising, too.

Unemployable HVAC talent is asking and getting more money, lifting pay, and benefits across the board, while exacerbating the problem.

In the context of building management, it’s even bleaker.

“Fewer experienced engineers means longer response times for maintenance, resulting in safety violations and fines.”

If you’re a building maintenance provider, there are customer relationships and money to be lost.

Looking for experienced HVAC staff ready to plug your project's gaps? Contact our specialist, Michaela >>

Net Zero and the Pressure on the HVAC Sector

The UK’s net-zero agenda is aggravating the situation. Hitting government targets will require rapid growth in the number of low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, being installed.

The Committee on Climate Change forecasts that the industry will require hundreds of thousands of new installers; however, current training and recruitment pipelines are falling short.

With the HVAC skills shortage only set to be heightened by the widening gap between sustainability ambitions and workforce capacity, this isn’t just a question of upskilling industry professionals; it’s a national concern.

Employers that address it now, by making themselves attractive to current and potential employees, will not only be doing their bit for the good of the country, but also building a competitive advantage at a pivotal time for the market.

How Employers Can Overcome the Gap

For employers, there are several methods available to navigate the HVAC employee shortage. Consumers are an investment in the future that establishes workers for hire, ensuring that they will get the experts they need. On-the-job training for existing workers to train for new state mandates requires a sound course.

Recruiting from universities, providing internships and training to augment pay packages, sets them up to be an impressive employer to work for.

Affording higher wages is an ultimate goal, but today’s HVAC specialists are also compelled to value opportunities — versatile work hours, more responsibility and integration programs that prolong learning.

Looking to strengthen your workforce? Explore how we connect businesses with skilled HVAC professionals.

Tackling Recruitment Challenges with Specialist Partners

A specialist HVAC recruitment partner provides an extra layer of support. With an extensive list of engineers and technicians who will not be on general job boards, they really help you save time and mitigate the risks of hiring.

In addition, heating and air conditioning recruitment partners will also be able to assist you in creating a long-term pipeline so you can tap top candidates in the future if you have a need, even if the market is competitive.

As a trusted ally with a wealth of experience supporting construction, property services and facilities management businesses, Daniel Owen is perfectly positioned to help its partners through the HVAC recruitment problems facing the industry as we navigate this challenging labour market.

Armed with the knowledge of wider trends, the firm helps businesses to explore industry dynamics, predict the next HVAC skills gap and think about long-term solutions.

Our work doesn’t stop at HVAC — we also connect skilled professionals across the entire property maintenance landscape. From planned maintenance roles to reactive repair specialists, we understand what drives success in this evolving sector.

Learn more about the property maintenance sector here >>

Attracting the Next Generation of HVAC Talent

Employers must also look beyond traditional channels to attract the next wave of HVAC professionals.

Engaging with local communities, offering free introductory training sessions, and promoting career opportunities through schools and colleges can all help shift perceptions of the trade.

Social platforms and local networks — such as Facebook groups or industry-specific forums — can also be powerful tools for outreach.

Interested in building a career in HVAC? Browse our latest roles today.

Building a Resilient Workforce for the Future

The HVAC skills shortage in the UK presents a real challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for businesses to rethink how they attract, train, and retain talent. With demand for heating and cooling solutions set to rise alongside sustainability goals, organisations that invest in workforce development now will not only stay ahead of the competition but also contribute to the nation’s transition to a greener future.

By combining training initiatives, competitive employment packages, and partnerships with specialist recruiters, UK businesses can bridge the skills gap and secure the HVAC expertise they need to deliver projects on time, on budget, and in line with environmental commitments.

Looking for HVAC experts or a new role yourself?

Contact our HVAC recruitment specialist, Michaela >>