Nurturing future leaders of the heat network industry
The leading, award-winning graduate scheme in the heat networks industry, nurturing future leaders since 2016.
At FairHeat, we believe the future of heat networks depends on the people designing, delivering and improving them.
Our Graduate Scheme is designed to develop technically strong, socially aware engineers who want to play a meaningful role in decarbonising heat and shaping a regulated, high-performing heat network sector. Since launching the scheme in 2016, we have supported graduates and interns to build long-term careers, progress into specialist and leadership roles, and make a real impact across projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon and deliver better outcomes for residents.
Central Londonoffices
Utilise and developengineering skills
Structured, rotationalprogramme
Professional development& accredited training
Nurturing futureindustry leaders
Inclusive, employee-ownedculture
Contributing todecarbonisation & net zero
Networking andsocial opportunities
Overview
Building skills for a growing, mission-critical sector.
The heat network sector is growing rapidly. As the UK accelerates towards its 2050 net zero targets, the decarbonisation of heat is becoming one of the most critical challenges in tackling climate change.
At FairHeat, we are committed to ensuring the industry has the skills, knowledge and talent it needs to meet this challenge. Our Graduate Scheme has been carefully designed to identify and nurture emerging engineering talent, offering early-career professionals the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a sector that is both technically complex and socially impactful. Through structured rotations, hands-on project experience, mentoring and continuous learning, our graduates gain a deep understanding of how heat networks are designed, delivered, operated and improved, while contributing to projects that genuinely matter.
Our pathways
Graduate Engineer
A structured, rotational programme designed for engineering graduates who want to develop deep technical expertise, industry insight and long-term career progression within the heat network sector.
What you’ll gain:
- Exposure to multiple departments and disciplines
- Real project responsibility from day one
- Technical, professional and personal development
- A clear pathway to becoming a subject-matter expert
Summer Internship
A hands-on summer placement for students who want real industry experience, practical exposure to engineering consultancy, and insight into careers in heat networks and sustainable energy.
What you’ll gain:
- Practical project experience
- Mentoring from experienced engineers
- Insight into FairHeat and the wider industry
- A strong foundation for future graduate applications
“Of all that we have accomplished at FairHeat, the quality of young engineers that we have brought into the industry is the thing that I am most proud of. The role of heat networks in decarbonising heat in the UK will require fresh ideas and approaches and I have every faith that our young engineers will be at the vanguard of this change”.
Tom Naughton
“The FairHeat graduate scheme represents our commitment to developing engineering talent for the future. I am particularly proud of the opportunities we are giving engineering graduates to see the impacts of their work from an early stage. The number of high calibre engineers that the graduate scheme has supported is a testament to its success and it will continue to be an integral part of our company's DNA”.
Michael Ridge
“Our primary goal is simple but ambitious: to inspire and develop engineers that will become the future leaders of the industry. If you have graduated with an engineering degree, have a passion for sustainability and want to find out more about a career in the heat network sector, then we want to hear from you!”
The FairHeat team
Frequently Asked Questions
Our process has two stages. Shortlisted candidates will first have a Teams interview, followed by a face-to-face interview.
Timings can vary depending on application volumes. We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process, but there is no fixed schedule.
No. The Graduate Scheme is designed to give you experience across multiple departments, providing a broad understanding of FairHeat and the heat network lifecycle. Once you complete the scheme, you can express a preference to specialise and develop deeper expertise in a specific area.
We usually ask graduates to start at the same time, as the scheme includes a structured two-week induction before rotations begin. Any flexibility should be discussed during the recruitment process.
All graduates are paired with a buddy for the duration of the two-year scheme and supported by their line manager. Training includes internal and external courses such as technical training, first aid, ladder safety, and regular lunch-and-learn sessions with industry experts.
You’ll typically need a 2:1 or above in MEng Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent qualification), alongside a genuine interest in sustainable energy and decarbonisation.
Yes. There are frequent opportunities to attend site visits and travel as part of project work. Rotations ensure all graduates gain comparable exposure across departments.
During the first few months, we strongly encourage graduates to work full-time from the office to support learning and integration. After this period, graduates can typically work 2 days from home and 3 days in the office, subject to discussion with their manager.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Vitality health insurance
- Death in service cover
- Income protection
Get involved
Collaborate with us
Universities, lecturers or student union representatives, get in touch to explore partnerships, careers talks or collaboration opportunities.
Freddie Valletta
Associate Engineer
“FairHeat was a company in its relative infancy when I joined back in the summer of 2016, fresh out of university. However since then, the company has grown hugely and really made waves in the building services industry. It has been incredibly rewarding being part of that journey and developing the tools and processes which are now part of FairHeat's day to day work. During my application for Chartership through CIBSE, FairHeat supported me throughout, and the work that I had produced and led on gave me ample evidence to support my successful application. FairHeat actively encourage its engineers to involve themselves in the wider industry and engage in wider reading in order to continually learn and develop their technical competencies through CPD. This positive encouragement to engage with industry leaders and have familiarisation with industry challenges allowed me to mature as a well-rounded engineer and instil confidence in FairHeat's clients.”
James Gallimore
Associate Engineer