IOR Survey Highlights UK HVACR Engineering Skills Gap
A recent Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) survey has highlighted a worrying skills gap within the UK's heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) sector, with employers finding it increasingly difficult to recruit technically competent engineers.
The survey, conducted in October 2025, highlights a confluence of factors contributing to the shortage of qualified HVACR professionals in the UK. A key finding of the IOR survey is that 59% of employers reported increasing difficulty in recruiting for technical roles over the past three years. This scarcity of skilled workers is compounded by the fact that many applicants lack basic competence and require significant remedial training, placing additional strain on company resources. This suggests a scope disconnect between the skills taught in educational institutions and the practical requirements of the HVACR industry.
The survey, detailed in the report The Future of Training – Right Skills for the Right Job Survey, further reveals that 73% of respondents anticipate increased demand for engineers and technicians in the next 2–3 years, which will exacerbate the existing challenges. The HVACR sector is crucial for maintaining temperature control in buildings and refrigeration for food and medicine supply chains.
This increased demand coincides with an ageing workforce and a notable "missing middle" of engineers aged 25-40. This demographic bottleneck weakens succession pathways and reduces the sector’s resilience, making it more vulnerable to future skills shortages. Addressing this age gap is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the HVACR workforce.
The report also indicates that training provision remains inconsistent and fragmented across the UK, which hinders the development of a robust talent pipeline. A lack of standardised training can lead to variations in skill levels and competence across the industry. This patchwork approach to training makes it difficult for employers to find consistently qualified candidates. Emerging skills, particularly in areas like natural refrigerants, controls, integration, and system design, are not developing rapidly enough to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Concerns also persist regarding professional behaviours, site readiness, and health and safety awareness. These concerns further underscore the need for comprehensive training and development initiatives that go beyond technical skills. Practical, on-the-job experience is crucial for developing well-rounded and competent HVACR professionals.
The findings suggest a coordinated action plan is needed to strengthen training pathways, enhance professional competence, and build a more resilient talent pipeline. The IOR plans to continue this project throughout 2026, incorporating more in-depth interviews with employers, colleges, and trainees. The goal is to develop a comprehensive action plan to address challenges related to apprenticeships and training provision.
