From Dissertation Deadlines to Decarbonisation: My First Months at FairHeat
By Khanyiso Mtwana, Graduate Engineer

This time last year, I was in Edinburgh juggling dissertation deadlines, choir rehearsals and design project meetings in the library. Fast forward to today and I’m working on heat networks across London, contributing to the UK’s decarbonisation journey. It’s been a whirlwind few months but one I’m incredibly grateful for.

I graduated from Heriot-Watt University in summer 2025 with an MEng in Chemical Engineering. After completing my degree, I spent the summer working, hiking through Cumbria, returning
to Edinburgh for a research grant, and soaking up the Edinburgh Fringe. September marked a big change. Instead of heading back to university, I started a brand-new chapter as a Graduate
Engineer at FairHeat. 

Joining the Largest Graduate Cohort

I joined FairHeat alongside 22 other engineering graduates from across the UK and beyond,
the largest graduate cohort the company has welcomed. We took over almost the entire top
floor of the office (with views of The Shard – a pretty surreal moment!). Our first two weeks
were an intensive induction into heat networks, their role in decarbonisation and what to expect
working at FairHeat.

We worked through training sessions, technical modules and individual design reviews.
The tools we learned during induction are ones I still use daily in my role now.
It was the perfect foundation and helped me feel confident stepping into project work.

Why I chose FairHeat?

My passion for sustainability started early, even appearing as a child in Nickelodeon’s Big Green Thing documentary hosted by ecologist David de Rothschild. A campaign aimed to encourage children to tackle climate change by offering simple solutions for creating a greener world.
That was my first introduction to being an “eco-warrior” and realising we all have a role to play.

So when it came to job hunting, I knew I wanted to work in energy, sustainability and consultancy and FairHeat ticked every box. FairHeat sits at the forefront of the heat network industry, improving the reliability and efficiency of heating networks, particularly in social housing. Homes are such an intimate part of everyday life, so being part of a company that improves comfort, reduces costs and supports a low-carbon future really resonates with my values.

My First Rotation – Compliance

I’m currently in the Compliance/Optimisation department, focusing on improving the performance of existing heat networks. This involves identifying issues such as high return temperatures, excessive heat loss and inefficient flow rates and proposing solutions aligned with emerging regulatory standards.

The work is very varied and cycles between site visits, client meetings, data analysis and report writing. When I’m in the office, I apply my chemical engineering knowledge to pressure losses, temperature differences and pipe sizing, bridging theory with real-world application.
No two sites are the same, which keeps things interesting and really challenges your problem-solving skills.

On one project, our team identified performance issues and proposed solutions that reduced carbon consumption by 58%. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing your work goes towards lowering energy waste and delivering low-carbon heating solutions to different communities.

From Lab Coats to PPE

Site visits have been one of my favourite parts of the job. At university, I wore a lab coat working with chemicals, now it’s PPE and kitchen taps! Visiting plant rooms, speaking to residents about their HIUs, conducting acceptance tests and drawing up schematics on-site has equipped me with a much deeper understanding of how heat networks operate in action.

Getting Involved – FairREACH

Outside of project work, I’ve loved getting involved in FairREACH. FairREACH is the FairHeat Race Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) internal committee, one of the many at FairHeat.
It’s dedicated to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for minority ethnic employees within FairHeat. I helped deliver a Black History Month Lunch & Learn, focusing on intersectionality and microaggressions in the workplace.

Although I’m usually comfortable presenting (thanks to my background in performing arts), addressing the whole company, just four weeks into a new corporate role felt daunting.
But the support from colleagues made all the difference. Most importantly, the sessions sparked meaningful discussion, and I received great feedback from across the company.
It reinforced what I already felt, FairHeat have genuinely created an open, inclusive environment where people feel safe to learn, engage and grow.

Continuous Learning

One thing which really stands out at FairHeat is the commitment to development.
Every Friday, graduates attend technical training sessions led by senior engineers or fellow grads. On top of this, there are Continuous Professional Development sessions (CPDs) CPDs, Lunch & Learns and even a newly developed graduate technical conference.

The company ethos of “there are no silly questions” truly exists here. I’ve also been encouraged
to take ownership of my development, setting goals, asking questions and building technical competence.

Culture & Community

Of course, it’s not all spreadsheets and site visits. The social side of FairHeat has been just as memorable. There’s always something going on, whether it’s Traitors for Halloween, Nigeria Night for Culture Night during Black History Month, a baby shower with delicious Lebanese food, or a very serious round of Mafia for a quarterly grad social. We work hard, and we play hard. 

I even had the opportunity to organise our Compliance/Optimisation department winter social, taking the team virtual clay pigeon shooting. It was competitive, chaotic and very fun (coming second on the leaderboard was a personal win!).

These events have allowed me to get to know people across different teams and seniority levels
and finally put faces to names I’d previously only seen on Teams. I think it’s one of the biggest benefits of working for an SME – you’re able to meet everyone, get a real sense of the company culture quickly, and feel part of something you truly believe in as it continues to grow from strength to strength.

Another standout to me has been seeing how people grow within FairHeat. Watching principal engineers who first joined as graduates hit major milestones, and seeing the team genuinely celebrate their achievements, has been incredibly inspiring.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few months, I’m excited to:

• Start my graduate project
• Broaden my technical knowledge
• Get involved in more company initiatives
• Continue external learning as a heat exchanger mentorship programme
  (HEMP mentee and London District Heating Diva)

Three months ago, I wish I’d told myself: you’re capable, believe it. I’ve learned so much about heat networks, consultancy and professional life. I knew heat networks were important, but now
I truly understand how critical they are for meeting net-zero targets and improving energy efficiency in urban areas.

As a Londoner, it feels even more special to apply my engineering skills in the city I call home, supporting communities through better, more sustainable heating systems.

FairHeat has given me exactly what I hoped for in a career: energy, sustainability and consultancy. I’m proud to be part of a company which genuinely cares about people, the planet and developing future engineers.

And honestly? The vibes here are good.