So in October the IOR’s WIRACP network hosted a tour of the Queens Quay Energy Centre in Glasgow, and we were delighted that a healthy number of students from West College Scotland took part. It is always encouraging to see the next generation of engineers taking part in these types of meeting and employers supporting them to join activities that help them develop a better understanding of the industry as a whole. This exposure to all aspects of our sector can only be a good thing, because as we know, RACHP impacts virtually every corner of modern life but is often an overlooked industry. Teenagers often talk about wanting careers in medicine, IT, or finance but rarely do you hear anyone whose driving ambition at 15 is to become a RACHP anything!

As I mentioned RACHP is everywhere, and in this time of job uncertainty it offers a bright and well-paid opportunity to those joining the sector and boy do we need people to join the industry. The figure thrown around is that by 2035 the total heat pump workforce needed will be around 70,000 full time engineers, we currently have around 40,000. That’s a lot of people we need to recruit and train. So, what can we, as an industry, do to encourage more apprentices to join our sector, and why is it a great career choice? 

Well, it literally is everywhere!  It keeps food safe from farm to fork, ensures medicines and vaccines are stored correctly, makes buildings comfortable in all seasons, and is central to the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling. In short, RACHP engineers play a vital role in keeping the world turning.  

It is a job that combines technical problem-solving with real-world impact. Engineers in this field work with cutting-edge technologies, from smart cooling systems to low-carbon heat pumps that will help the UK meet its net-zero goals. 

It’s also a sector that never stands still. With advances in energy efficiency, refrigerants, and digital controls, there’s always something new to learn. For anyone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, paired with the chance to be part of a greener future, RACHP is an ideal career. 

Vitally, we have a great route into the industry without the need to get a university degree as apprenticeships are a great gateway into the sector. It saddens me that more young people do not use the apprenticeship route. It is a great way to start a career, free of debt, and it offers the best of both worlds: you earn while you learn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications alongside real workplace experience. 

Rather than spending years in full-time study, you start contributing straight away, working with experienced engineers, learning how systems operate, and developing skills that employers value. Apprenticeships can also lead to higher qualifications, meaning career progression is built in from the start. 

What can we do as an industry to promote ourselves?  Well, it starts with every professional realising that they can play a role in raising awareness of RACHP as a rewarding career. Here are some practical ways to do it: 

A career in RACHP means more than just keeping things cool (or warm). It’s about food safety, healthcare, energy efficiency, and climate responsibility. Apprenticeships offer teenagers the chance to begin this journey early, with strong career prospects and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference. 

And for those already in the sector, promoting RACHP as a career is one of the most important contributions you can make to secure its future. By sharing knowledge, offering opportunities, and inspiring young people, professionals can help build the next generation of skilled engineers.