The new starters are three apprentices and three graduates, all based at Ideal Heating’s headquarters site in Hull. They will work alongside the company’s experienced professionals, learning from mentors with years of experience in their fields.

Miriam Moore, Ideal Heating’s HR Director (Designate), said: “We recognise the talent, energy and fresh thinking that apprentices and graduates bring to the business and they play a vital role in shaping the future of our industry.

“As a company, we’re committed to investing in their development and providing them with the skills and opportunities to help them to grow into the next generation of industry leaders.

“We’ve made a deliberate shift in our recruitment tactics to target graduates, as well as apprentices, and to host open days to showcase our business culture and what we can offer.

“We’re able to provide young people with valuable industry experiences and peer-to-peer support to help them develop and grow in a supportive environment.”

Ideal Heating works with training providers, including Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) and Humber Energy Skills Training Academy (HESTA), to deliver its apprenticeship programmes.

The latest intake of apprentices takes the number on apprenticeship programmes within the business currently to 29. The new starters are a Quality Engineer Apprentice, a Heat Pump Technician Apprentice and a R&D Design – Heat Pumps Apprentice.

The apprenticeships focused on heat pumps reflect how Ideal Heating is leading the industry’s transition from gas boilers to low-carbon solutions.

Holly Owst, 18, from Hull, is starting her five-year Quality Engineer Apprenticeship with Ideal Heating after completing applied science and double engineering courses at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in Hull. Ideal Heating is a Major Partner of the employer-led school.

She said: “While I’d previously focused on mechanical or electrical engineering skills at Ron Dearing, my passion lies in renewable energy. Ideal Heating’s shift towards heat pump technology perfectly aligns with my values and aspirations.

“The company culture here is amazing, and I’ve felt welcomed immediately. The engineering industry can sometimes present challenges for women, but Ideal Heating has made it absolutely clear that talent and dedication is all that matters.”

As well as offering apprenticeships to college leavers, Ideal Heating partners with recruitment specialist Emmerson Kitney to target new graduates and offer young people the chance to take their first steps onto the career ladder after university.

Adam Scanlan, Henry Chik and Eddie Kirkham have joined the business in Research and Development roles after studying engineering-based degrees.

Eddie has joined as a Development Engineer after completing his mechanical engineering degree at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The 22-year-old, from Grimsby, achieved a first-class degree and was drawn to return to the region to begin his engineering career.

He said: “Being local was the first thing that attracted me to Ideal Heating and it’s a huge employer in the area.

“The line of work was also very appealing. Energy is always something I’ve been interested in and now I get to work in a company that directly affects and impacts the energy sector.

“Ideal Heating is constantly adapting to new legislation and industry changes, which means no two days are ever the same, and I find it really exciting to have that variety in my work.”