Imagine stepping into an internship where your work doesn’t just stay within the confines of your computer screen but actively contributes to shaping a more sustainable future. Welcome to FairHeat: where engineering meets innovation in the quest for efficient, sustainable heat networks. For engineering students eager to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, FairHeat’s Summer Internship offers an opportunity to dive into the heart of heat networks.

This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming three brilliant minds—Katharine Gimson, Howell Cole, and Samuel Winstanley-Ramos—to our team. In this post, we interview our 2024 Junior Engineers where they shared their motivations, experiences, and aspirations, offering a glimpse into what makes an internship at FairHeat not just a job for the summer, but a pivotal step in their engineering careers.

Meet our Junior Engineers for Summer 2024

Why Apply for an Internship at FairHeat?

Katharine’s interest in FairHeat was sparked by a talk at her university from one of our graduate engineers. “I didn’t know what a heat network was,” she admits. Her mother, a local councillor, highlighted the exciting potential of heat networks in future decarbonisation. “The innovative side to FairHeat and the smaller company feel made it a perfect fit for me,” she adds.

Similar to Katharine, Howell was drawn to FairHeat after a FairHeat presentation at his university. “When you think green energy, you don’t really think of heating districts,” he says. Intrigued by FairHeat’s mission to improve energy efficiency in heat networks, Howell saw this as aligning with his career aspirations.

Samuel’s decision to join FairHeat stemmed from a desire to work in a more environmentally conscious industry. “I’ve done some other internships before but mostly in the heavy industrial side,” he explains. Witnessing the environmental consequences of these industries, Samuel sought out FairHeat for its commitment to sustainability and leading the transition to a fair, low carbon economy in the UK .

How Has Your Experience Been So Far?

Samuel’s experience has been marked by the welcoming and collaborative environment at FairHeat. Moving to London was initially daunting, but the support and communication from senior engineers helped ease his transition. “Everyone is so welcoming, such diverse backgrounds where everyone’s from, their experiences, how they are developing and even what they are working on,” he says.

Katharine has found her time at FairHeat incredibly positive. “There’s a real learning atmosphere within the office,” she notes. The open environment allows for collaboration between junior and senior engineers. “My experience so far has been nothing but positive,” she adds, appreciating the encouragement to ask questions and share insights.

As the first intern on the delivery team, Howell’s journey has been unique and rewarding. Despite the initial uncertainty, he praises the team’s support and inclusivity. “I’ve been exposed to so many different types of heating equipment and different sites across the UK,” he shares, valuing the diverse learning opportunities.

What Do You Hope to Gain from This Experience?

For Howell, the internship is a chance to delve deeper into the heat networks industry and confirm his career path. “I wanted to experience as much as I possibly can in this short amount of time,” he says. He also hopes to contribute to reducing the impact to residents of the cost of living crisis through more efficient heat networks.

Samuel aims to contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals by 2050. “It’s like you’re feeling good about the work you do because it’s making a positive impact,” he states. The internship offers him the opportunity to learn in an industry that balances good engineering with environmental and community benefits.

Having never done an internship before, Katharine is eager to apply her academic knowledge in a real-world setting. “I want to gain more confidence and this is a great start to my future career,” she explains. She values the practical experience and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in people’s lives.

Any Advice to Future Internship Applicants?

Katharine advises future applicants to be inquisitive and well-informed. “Research the company, understand what they do, and attend talks if anyone comes to your uni,” she suggests. She emphasises the importance of asking questions and reaching out to industry professionals.

Echoing Katharine’s sentiments, Howell encourages applicants to be genuine and curious. “Familiarise yourself with the current FairHeat deliverables and mission,” he advises. He believes that being yourself and asking questions are key to making the most of the internship experience.

Samuel underscores the importance of passion and awareness. “Have a passion for the industry or a goal you want to strive towards,” he says. He recommends staying informed about industry changes and major projects, particularly those FairHeat is involved in, to demonstrate a strong interest in the company.

As our Junior Engineers’ stories highlight, an internship at FairHeat is a launchpad into the exciting and impactful world of heat networks. Here, you’re not just another cog in the machine; you’re a vital part of a mission to revolutionise how we heat our homes and cities sustainably.

For those of you with a passion for innovation, a drive to tackle real-world challenges, and a vision of a greener future, FairHeat offers an incredible platform to kickstart your career. Join us for the summer, and be part of a team where your ideas matter, your skills grow, and your work helps shape a sustainable tomorrow.