Graduate to HVAC Consultant

Graduate to HVAC Consultant: Luke’s Inspiring Career Journey 

The phrase graduate to HVAC consultant marks a significant transition in the life of any aspiring design engineer. This article tells the story of Luke Corbett’s development at Vital Heating Solutions, showing how hands-on training, innovation, and team support shaped his journey. It also highlights how Vital Heating Solutions is investing in future leaders through real-world learning, digital transformation, and structured mentorship

From Graduate Design Engineer to Industry Professional 

Over the past 12 months, Luke has not only developed his knowledge of Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems but also brought fresh ideas and improvements to the team. 

Learning by Doing: The Importance of Site Experience 

Luke is a visual learner. During his one-to-one meetings, he highlighted that technical drawings and lengthy guidance documents were not always the best way for him to absorb knowledge. Instead, he thrives on real-world experience. 

Recognising this, Vital Heating Solutions ensured Luke spent more time on-site. There, he could see the installation process firsthand and understand how designs translate into physical systems. Observing how teams adapt to unexpected challenges gave him a clearer grasp of the entire project lifecycle. 

This practical exposure filled knowledge gaps that textbooks simply could not cover. 

CAD 3D Design and Printing Innovation 

One of Luke’s standout contributions has been championing the use of CAD 3D design and printing to improve accuracy, speed, and collaboration across project teams. In a fast-paced industry like HVAC, where precise drawings and physical prototypes are key, this shift has brought a new level of clarity to design processes. 

Previously, site sketches were often shared via informal photos and email chains. These could be difficult to interpret or mislabelled, which slowed down planning and execution. By integrating CAD 3D design, Luke helped standardise how project visuals are developed and shared. 

Key benefits include: 

• Generating accurate 3D representations of systems for better understanding 
• Creating physical models using 3D printing to validate fit and scale 
• Reducing errors in interpretation by using consistent file formats 
• Improving collaboration between design, installation and commissioning teams 

This approach supports better coordination across projects and gives engineers a clearer view of intended outcomes before work begins on site. It is a strong example of how Vital Heating Solutions continues to modernise its operations through internal talent and forward thinking. 

New Role, New Responsibilities 

Recognising his growth, Vital Heating Solutions has updated Luke’s job title from Graduate Design Engineer to HVAC Design Consultant. This change reflects his expanding responsibilities, and the trust placed in his technical judgement. 

As part of this new title, Luke will: 

• Support senior designers with system planning and project setup 
• Help review site documentation including commissioning results and surveys 
• Lead aspects of digital implementation such as project tracking tools 
• Act as a bridge between office and site-based teams 

The change is more than symbolic. It is a vote of confidence and a platform for further progression. 

Future Training: Building Knowledge from the Ground Up 

Luke’s learning has not stopped. During team discussions, he expressed interest in further training across four key areas. 

1. Ventilation Systems 

Although Luke understands the principles, he wants more practical knowledge around: 

• Design constraints in live environments 
• Fire protection classifications 
• Best practice for safe and efficient ducting 

Lucia and the marketing team are currently sourcing short courses to bridge this gap. These will supplement Luke’s site visits and help embed technical standards. 

2. Fire Regulations in HVAC Design 

Ventilation systems in schools and public buildings must meet specific fire regulations. Luke recognised that clarity in this area would boost his confidence and improve his design work. 

He is particularly keen to understand: 

• Fire resistance durations and classifications 
• Smoke protection strategies 
• Regulatory compliance for different property types 

Our Senior Leadership Team is researching dedicated training to ensure this is addressed precisely. 

3. NEBOSH Certification 

Although not focused exclusively on fire regulations, the NEBOSH General Certificate offers valuable insights into: 

• Risk management 
• Legal responsibilities 
• Workplace safety frameworks 

This 12-week course, potentially hosted at Leeds University, is under consideration for Luke. It would enhance his career profile and widen his understanding of safety management in engineering environments. 

4. Commissioning: MVHR and Hydronic Systems 

Luke has also asked for more insight into commissioning processes. This includes: 

• Understanding MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) units 
• Hydronic (hot water) system balancing 
• Real-time commissioning parameters 

By observing how engineers verify flow rates and system functionality, he hopes to improve the accuracy of his own design specifications. 

This hands-on knowledge ensures designs are not just effective on paper but work reliably on site. 

Smarter Planning with Proprietary
Software 

Another major area of discussion was the move away from Excel based planning. The team at Vital Heating Solutions, including Luke, has identified limitations with spreadsheets for tracking project phases. 

Instead, they are trialling a Proprietary cloud-based project management platform that: 

• Displays a Gantt-style project calendar 
• Allows drag-and-drop schedule changes 
• Enables shared access for real-time updates 

Luke, along with Chris and Steve, will test the tool’s functionality across live projects. It will help them better plan just-in-time deliveries, reduce errors in material ordering, and improve visibility across teams. 

Benefits include: 

• Less admin duplication 
• More accurate delivery forecasting 
• Better use of leftover materials from phased installs 

Luke’s feedback will guide how Job Logic is integrated across future sites. 

What Makes This Story Important 

Luke’s transition from graduate to HVAC consultant represents more than a job title change. It reflects: 

• A company culture that empowers people to speak up and suggest ideas 
• The value of practical learning and mentorship 
• The importance of clear communication between site and office teams 
• A commitment to continuous improvement through digital tools 

Vital Heating Solutions is proud to support young professionals who want to grow. Luke’s development shows what can happen when people are trusted, heard, and supported with the right training. 

Internal Champions: Why It Matters 

Highlighting internal success stories helps shape company culture. Luke’s achievements inspire others to look at how they can improve systems, champion new ideas or seek out further training. 

It also helps new starters understand that they will not be boxed in. If they spot something that could make a process better, they will be listened to. 

Vital Heating Solutions’ commitment to team development is clear: 

• Engineers are encouraged to propose innovations 
• Site teams receive digital tools that improve clarity 
• Designers are given time to visit sites and see installations in real-life conditions 
• Training is discussed openly and shared across the business 

These practices create a workplace where talent can grow, and the company can evolve. 

Looking Ahead 

Luke’s story is just the beginning. The wider team at Vital Heating Solutions is now exploring: 

• Further use of in house built AI apps 
• How to embed project tracking into site operations 
• Development of a structured internal CPD programme 

This approach aligns with the goal to stay ahead in commercial HVAC, renewable energy, and mechanical engineering not just in the quality of work but in the way the business is run. 

What You Can Learn from Luke’s Journey 

To move from graduate to HVAC consultant, you need more than technical skill. You need: 

• Real-world experience 
• Willingness to learn 
• An eye for innovation 
• A company that believes in its people 

Luke Corbett’s journey shows what happens when all these factors come together. At Vital Heating Solutions, this is not the exception. It is how the business works. 

If you’re looking for a company that invests in people and supports professional development, then you can Grow with us.

Ready to take your career forward or explore partnership opportunities with Vital Heating Solutions 
Get in touch at vitalheatingsolutions.co.uk or follow on LinkedIn 

Let us build something brilliant together.