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.

Luke joined Vital Heating Solutions in 2024 as a Graduate Design Engineer.

With a keen interest in mechanical systems and a strong academic background, he quickly became known for his enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Joining a high performing business like Vital Heating Solutions is not just about technical skills. It is about growing into a role that blends design thinking, project understanding and team collaboration. 

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

https://vitalheatingsolutions.co.uk/careers/