- Content
- People
- Contractor Urges Armed Forces Veterans to Join Heating Sector
11 April 2023
An M&E services provider is calling for ex-Armed Forces personnel to consider a career in the commercial heating sector.
Lord Combustion Services wants to encourage ex-Forces employees to consider careers in the industry as the energy price crisis puts the sector in the national spotlight.
Managing Director Stuart Smith said: “We understand the vital work which military personnel have done for their country and recognise the tremendous skills they offer when they leave uniform to continue their working careers. With the national focus on energy, there are strong employment opportunities in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry for Armed Forces colleagues.
“We want to hear from anyone looking to use their Armed Forces skills to get into work in a well-paid, varied role, where they will be given the backing to develop and succeed.”
Skills Shortage in Commercial Heating Sector
Research from the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations shows that for manufacturers, suppliers and installers in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector, difficulties in the labour market are the main issue affecting their business. Additionally, if the government is to achieve its goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, the workforce of skilled installers must also increase.
The ex-military community in the UK is considered a valuable recruitment resource, due to their skills in leadership, teamwork, logistics, and well as more specific technical skills. Many companies make use of this by running veteran employment support programmes to help recruit in this area. Organisations such as JobOppO work specifically with veterans to connect them with suitable employers who appreciate the benefit of employing ex-Forces personnel.
Lord Combustion Services received its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award from the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (West Midland RFCA) in September 2022. Having first received the award in 2017 Lord had it revalidated for continued commitment. Award holders must demonstrate recruitment and employment policies which actively support members of the Armed Forces community.
Graham Whitehouse, Regional Employer Engagement Director, West Midland RFCA said: “Having worked closely with Lord Combustion Services over a number of years, we know of the commitment that they show on a daily basis, and applaud their continued and sustained commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community.”
Lord Combustion Services is based in Oldbury, and serves more than 1,000 customers across the West Midlands including NHS sites, schools and Edgbaston cricket ground.
Picture: a photograph of Lord Combustion Services Director Mark Chapman holding the company's framed Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. Image Credit: Lord Combustion Services
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 11 April 2023
Share
Related Articles
Daikin Rental Solutions Accelerates UK Expansion With Major Multi-Technology Fleet Investment
Daikin Rental Solutions has announced a major expansion of its UK rental fleet, combining new high-capacity cooling systems, low-carbon heating solutions, process cooling...
Read Full Article
BESA Urges Military Engineers to Become Building Safety Trainers
The Building Engineering Services Association is encouraging military engineers transitioning to civilian life to consider becoming trainers, assessors and building...
Read Full Article
Saltire Facilities Management Acquired by Daikin
Saltire Facilities Management, one of the largest gas central heating and electrical firms in Scotland, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Daikin Airconditioning...
Read Full Article
Online Heat Pump Seller Prosecuted for Breaching F-Gas Regulations
An online retailer has been fined for selling HVAC equipment without ensuring that it would be installed by a properly qualified engineer.
Appliances Direct (AD) was...
Read Full Article
Heat and Buildings Strategy – Experts Reveal How to Tackle the Skills Shortage
The government’s Heat and Buildings strategy pledged huge investment in heat pump innovation, but how can we re-skill and recruit to make this happen?
We spoke...
Read Full Article
Rinnai To Showcase New Products At InstallerSHOW 2026
Rinnai at InstallerSHOW 2026 is featuring a wide range of new products and initiatives in heat pumps, hot water heating units and electric storage heaters, and...
Read Full Article
Making Heat Pumps Work In Commercial Buildings
Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Commercial Heating, explores the key considerations for facilities managers and building operators navigating the transition...
Read Full Article
Daikin Applied (UK) Launches Flexible, Low-Carbon Ventilation Unit For Large Spaces
Daikin Applied (UK) has expanded its air handling unit portfolio with the launch of its new Vertical DX series, a floor-standing, plug-and-play solution designed to...
Read Full Article
Dalkia Completes Decarbonisation Scheme at Arup’s London HQ
The £3.1 million scheme to decarbonise Arup’s headquarters at 8 Fitzroy Street is now complete.
Dalkia has delivered the validation, detailed coordination,...
Read Full Article
Compass Group Appoints Armed Forces Committee Co-Chair
Kris Nicholson, who had a 34-year career in the Royal Navy as a Logistics Officer, has joined Compass Group’s Armed Forces Committee as Co-Chair.
Kris joins...
Read Full Article