The HVAC industry is changing. While heating and cooling remain at the core of what we do, projects are becoming more complex, driven by evolving regulations, critical infrastructure, business continuity planning and supporting customers with their environmental performance.
At Cross Rental Services, we’re seeing increasing demand for specialist support across a wider range of applications, highlighting the growing need for skilled engineers.
A Changing Industry
Temporary heating and cooling have traditionally followed seasonal demand. Today, customers are increasingly seeking support for:
- Flood recovery and dehumidification
- Data centre testing and commissioning
- Projects with better environmental credentials
- Air quality improvements
- Regulatory compliance
These projects require a broader mix of technical expertise, creating greater demand for experienced HVAC engineers.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The sector continues to face a significant engineering skills shortage. Engineering UK estimates that the UK will need more than 173,000 new engineers and technicians every year until 2030, while many experienced professionals are approaching retirement.
As technology advances, employers are also looking for engineers with digital, sustainability and data analysis skills alongside traditional mechanical and electrical expertise.
Investing in Future Talent
At Cross Rental Services, we’re helping address this challenge through continued investment in apprenticeships, recruitment and professional development, including digital training focused on data, analytics and AI.
As Matt Parker, Managing Director UK, explains:
“The biggest shift we’ve seen is in the nature of the projects we’re being asked to support. Alongside traditional heating and cooling requirements, we’re increasingly helping customers with flood recovery, data centre developments and projects linked to evolving regulations. These demands require a broader mix of technical skills and specialist expertise.”
He adds:
“Many experienced engineers are nearing retirement, making it increasingly important to attract new talent and ensure valuable expertise is retained for the future. HVAC offers rewarding careers across healthcare, manufacturing, critical infrastructure and major events, and building awareness of these opportunities is essential for creating a sustainable talent pipeline.”
Looking Ahead
As customer requirements continue to evolve, so too must the HVAC industry. By investing in skills, embracing new technologies and developing the next generation of engineers, we can ensure the sector is ready to meet future demand.
If you’re interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities with Cross Rental Services and starting a career in the HVAC industry, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected].
By Matt Parker, MD UK at Cross Rental Services
