As the UK continues its journey towards Net Zero, one message is becoming increasingly clear across the built environment: we cannot decarbonise without a skilled, confident workforce ready to install and maintain the low‑carbon technologies of the future.
For those of us working within the construction industry, the skills gap is a very real challenge.
Heat pumps, chillers and low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) air conditioning systems are already central to public and private sector decarbonisation strategies.
Yet the number of engineers trained to deliver these solutions simply isn’t growing fast enough.
That’s why, during National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we opened our doors to apprentice engineers from across the commercial M&E sector, giving them hands‑on experience inside our regional training centres, with our award-winning training team.
The goal was simple: support skill development, inspire young people entering the industry, and help M&E contractors future‑proof their workforce.
Apprentices immediately benefit from a skills uplift helping accelerate their on-the-job capability
Stuart White Specification Business Development Manager
Hands-on learning
From heat pump fundamentals to commercial AC systems
What sets this training apart is the opportunity for apprentices to learn directly from our technical specialists—experts who’ve spent decades designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting the technologies that are now critical to the UK’s net zero roadmap.
Over the course of the session, a group of 18 apprentices from Whitehead Engineering Services explored three key areas:
1. How heat pumps really work
With heat pump adoption accelerating across both public and private estates, understanding the fundamentals is essential.
Apprentices got to dismantle the theory behind refrigerant cycles, installation and commissioning, inspect real units up close (including the commercial Ecodan CAHV-R air source heat pump), and see for themselves how heat pumps deliver efficient, low‑carbon heating and cooling.
2. How other large-scale systems work in real-world applications
From modular chiller systems to VRF, our trainers walked apprentices through the components, system designs and operational principles behind the other systems they’ll soon be observing in the field.
Not only did this broaden their technical knowledge—it also helped them see the bigger picture behind whole‑building performance.
3. Why HVAC sits at the heart of UK decarbonisation strategies
Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, or supporting sustainable procurement, engineers in the HVAC and M&E industries now play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the built environment.
We explored how contractors can align their work and Mitsubishi Electric technologies with national policy, customer expectations, and climate targets.
Why this matters for M&E Contractors
For many contractors, growing demand for heat pumps and low‑carbon HVAC solutions is outpacing the availability of engineers with the right skillsets. Apprenticeships offer a powerful solution—but they work best when paired with strong manufacturer support.
By sending apprentices to us, M&E contractors benefit from:
- Immediate skills uplift that accelerates on-the-job capability.
- Access to manufacturer‑approved best practice, reducing installation and maintenance risks.
- Engineers who understand low‑carbon technologies from day one, ensuring alignment with customer and regulatory
- expectations.
- A stronger employer brand, demonstrating investment in apprentices’ development.
- A long-term workforce pipeline, addressing skill shortages before they impact operations.
We recognise the unique challenge M&E contractors face, and we’re committed to working collaboratively to support long-term capability in the sector.
Building pride, confidence and ambition
One of the most rewarding outcomes of this session was seeing just how enthusiastic apprentices are about the industry.
Many had never interacted with a heat pump or commercial system up close before; others simply welcomed the chance to learn in a supportive, hands‑on environment that went beyond what they see in day‑to‑day work.
By the end of the day, the conversations shifted from “How does this work?” to “How can I specialise in this?”—exactly the kind of mindset the industry needs as it builds towards a low‑carbon future.
Join Us: Your apprentices are the future of the industry
Our training centre will continue to run dedicated sessions throughout 2026, and we’re inviting more M&E contractors to partner with us.
Whether you employ one apprentice or an entire cohort, we’ll work with you to tailor development that boosts skill levels, confidence, and long‑term capability.
If we want a resilient, future-ready, low‑carbon UK, we must invest in the people who will build it. We’re proud to play our part—and we’d love you to be part of it too.
Stuart White is Specification Business Development Manager
