Empowering the next generation: Investing in our people
- Theme
- People
- Reading time
- 5:00
- Published
- By
- Tom Findley
Investing in people is the way forward, and at FläktGroup, we understand the importance of empowering our team with the knowledge they need to grow their careers.
Securing the Future of Engineering
The HVAC industry is facing a global skills gap, with an ageing workforce and rising demand for new talent. At FläktGroup, we see this as an opportunity to invest in what matters most – people. Our HVAC apprenticeship schemes provide a practical and meaningful pathway for new team members to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in the industry. As a global leader in air technology solutions, we understand that our long-term success depends on the expertise, creativity and dedication of our people. That’s why developing and empowering the next generation of engineers, such as our HVAC apprentices, is at the core of our values.
A New Hope: The Apprentice Perspective
Don’t just take our word, hear from some of our talented HVAC apprentices who took part in this practical training in our UK site.
Danah Holmes-White, AC Improver Apprentice
“What I found invaluable is that our trainers can draw from decades of experience and turn their trickiest on-site scenarios into a solve the riddle type workshops, which really got us apprentices thinking.”
Our immersive approach to teaching is reflected in all areas of the business and it clearly pays off when it comes to engaging future employers.
“I haven’t just been shown things once and then sent on my merry way; I’ve truly been mentored and supported here at FläktGroup. I was attracted to training here because the HR department were cheerful and enthused about their work just as much as the engineers.”
The company culture is reflected in all areas of the business and our HR teams are fantastic at helping all employees in their journey working here at FläktGroup.
“It’s a good sign of a company’s health if all the departments are happy. As manufacturers, FläktGroup clearly have a vested interest in the air movement industry, but the efforts taken to train and develop people new to the industry proves they care at every level.”
We love hearing this from our apprentices—it’s a true reflection of the expert guidance, support, and dedication of the people who train and mentor them.
Why Hands-On Training and People Investment Are Vital in Engineering
At FläktGroup, we believe that real learning happens when theory meets practice. While classroom education builds that basic knowledge, it’s the hands-on experience that truly prepares young engineers for the challenges in this industry. Darren Hardy, our Service Director in the UK strongly agrees with this sentiment:
“Hands on training is important for all engineers. Classroom theory is good but does not provide the touch and feel experience. Holding a controller and setting parameters in a live environment, on a live product, going through menus, so when you get your 1st job on site you instantly recognise the controls, the software and the menu structure. Hands on is the only way training should be carried out.”
This type of training is delivered directly by our expert team in -house, creating an engagement that aims to provide young engineers with the skills they need to perform high skilled tasks. Not only do we give them this on-the-job training, but we also do deep dives into our products too.
“It makes our engineers better than our competition. Our engineers would then have the ability to talk to contractors and clients through what our products capabilities are and their restrictions.”
The HVAC industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to a shortage of skilled labour driven by a decline in apprenticeship opportunities. At FläktGroup, we see apprenticeships not just as training programmes, but as a vital investment in the future of engineering.
“There have been huge shortages of skilled labour with the lack of apprenticeship schemes over the past years. Bringing apprentices back into FläktGroup gives us the opportunity to meld individuals into 1st class engineers. The apprentices have the opportunity to draw information from engineers that have been with the business in some cases over 40 years. All that knowledge can be passed on.”
It is an exciting time for us at FläktGroup and we’re actively welcoming passionate new engineers to be a part of our incredible team. Use the form to register your interest in becoming a Service Engineer by clicking the button below.