As the demand for renewable energy solutions continues to grow, so does the need for skilled engineers in the heat pump industry. We had a chat with Sam, the Technical Manager at Heat Pump Tech, to discuss his journey into the field and the importance of upskilling within the industry.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into heat pump engineering?
Sam: My path into Heat Pump engineering was far from typical. I originally studied law at Stoke University and began my Bar Vocational Course, but I quickly realised a legal career wasn’t for me. After stepping away from further education, I worked in bars for a while before deciding I wanted to learn a trade.
Growing up in Plymouth, I considered joining the Navy due to my family’s strong naval ties, but instead, I chose to pursue an independent trade and enrolled in a Learn From Home Course in Plumbing and Renewable Energy.
Q. What led you to focus specifically on heat pump engineering?
Sam: After completing my course, I applied for a role at a local installation company. Instead of taking the traditional apprenticeship route, I persuaded them to hire me based on my existing qualifications, even though I still had a lot to learn. Over five years, I gained extensive industry experience, and following the Covid pandemic, Dan offered me a role at Heat Pump Tech. It was a perfect fit, as I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and the challenge of engineering puzzles.
Q. How has upskilling played a role in your career?
Sam: Upskilling has been crucial. I’ve earned a refrigeration qualification and am currently working towards my gas qualification. However, I believe some of the most valuable learning happens on the job – things you can’t get from a course alone.
Now, as a technical manager, I have the opportunity to pass this knowledge on to others, helping engineers at both Heat Pump Tech and Heat Pump Parts develop their skills. I also believe in sharing knowledge beyond just our company; educating competitors and clients alike ultimately leads to better industry standards.
Q. What challenges have you faced within the industry?
Sam: One of the biggest challenges is dealing with others in the trade challenging my work or my theory behind a diagnosis. There’s less of a ‘let’s work together to find a resolution for a client’ culture, and more of a competitive mindset where engineers seem more interested in picking apart each other’s work rather than offering support.
Unfortunately, social media, particularly LinkedIn feeds into this. Because of this, many, including myself, have stopped sharing our work online.
Q. What are the biggest skills gaps you’ve noticed in the heat pump industry?
Sam: The biggest gap is understanding how Heat Pumps actually function – not just that a pipe goes from A to B, but why it works, how it can be made more efficient, and how subtle changes can make the client more comfortable.
Installation is fairly straightforward, but understanding why something breaks or why it works is the missing piece. Many new engineers are great at installation but lack the deeper technical knowledge needed for proper servicing. I often see engineers only checking basic components, like filters and expansion vessels, rather than fully analysing system settings and performance.
The industry needs to push for a better overall understanding of these systems. Whether that responsibility lies with the manufacturer of the product or training colleges, it’s difficult to say.
Q. How do you see the demand for heat pump engineers evolving in the coming years?
Sam: Demand is only going to increase. While gas remains the UK’s standard home heating method, renewable energy efforts are still growing – despite setbacks like BP cutting back on its renewable division or the price of electrical energy still being on the rise. Right now, there aren’t even enough engineers to install Heat Pumps, let alone maintain them. This presents a big opportunity for anyone looking to enter the field.
Q. Do you have any advice for other engineers considering upskilling in heart pumps?
Sam: Reach out to reputable companies and ask, “Is this something I can come in to learn?” Taking the initiative is key. There’s a huge need for skilled engineers, and companies like ours are always looking for people willing to put in the work and learn the trade properly.
