Laura Thomas, Head of Training at Vaillant UK discusses the importance of young people in the industry.

It is that time of year again where we look to celebrate young people within the industry. For the third year running, Vaillant is thrilled to be sponsoring 2024’s Young Person in LPG Award. We have had some incredible applicants in the past, so I am looking forward to seeing what this year brings and welcoming new entrants and young people into the sector.

The heating industry has been set in its ways for so long, but with the UK’s net zero target set for 2050, it is imperative that we all work together to see a greener future for generations to come. We must encourage the younger people into the sector to help lead with their innovative ideas.

Learning and Development is now a valued tool within all organisations, and nurturing the personal and professional developments of individuals, sits hand in hand with the development of the industry. It takes dedication and passion from the individuals and the organisation which must be celebrated.

In the past, we have been amazed by young applicants who are succeeding in their career hearing the advances with investments into renewable liquid gases thanks to the ideas of the younger generations. With an aged, predominantly male, workforce, introducing and developing younger generations from all backgrounds is absolutely essential to ensure the future of our industry.

We will launch the Young Person in LPG awards in June at the InstallerSHOW. Please start thinking now about those of you or those that you know, that wish to enter. So, if you are a younger person, or working alongside a colleague who is under 35, nominate them for the three categories available:

1. Rising Star of the Year Award
2. Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award
3. Outstanding Achievement Award

We have seen entrants increase over the years, and I would love for this one to be the best one yet. I look forward to meeting candidates in the coming months.