Birmingham heating engineer among six apprentices qualifying with Midlands firm

A Birmingham heating engineer is among six apprentices set to complete their training this year with a Midlands heating and plumbing company during National Apprenticeship Week.

Cam Lea, 23, will complete his City & Guilds Level 3 plumbing and heating qualification with Midlands-based Custom Heat this year, as part of the company’s largest ever cohort of qualifying apprentices.

The apprentices form part of the next generation of skilled engineers entering the industry, at a time when demand for qualified heating and plumbing professionals is increasing across the Midlands.

The milestone comes as the heating industry faces a growing skills crisis. There are currently around 130,000 gas engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register, but with around half aged over 55, an estimated 65,000 could retire within the next decade. The figures highlight the importance of apprenticeship programmes in securing the future workforce.

Cam followed his father into gas engineering after meeting Custom Heat engineers through his rugby club. After three years with the Rugby and Coventry-based Custom Heat, he has found his passion in hands on installation work and recently received praise in a five star customer review for his professionalism on a complex boiler replacement and relocation.

“The support from Custom Heat has been amazing,” said Cam. “I’ve felt completely backed throughout the process.”

Tom Grant, Installation Manager at Custom Heat, said: “I've worked very closely with Cam over the last three years. He's gained his OfTec registration and worked independently on oil-fired appliances, handling some of the most complex parts of our service. Cam continues to develop across all areas of installation and is now competent throughout. I think his rugby background helps, as he plays at a high level, and that discipline has crossed over into his work. He's ready to be out on his own gas jobs as soon as he qualifies, with my full support."

Lincoln Smith, Managing Director of Custom Heat, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of these apprentices. They’ve shown real dedication and skill throughout their training and represent exactly the kind of talent the industry needs. Over the past decade, we’ve supported around 25 apprentices because investing in the next generation isn’t just good for our business, it’s essential for the future of the heating sector.”

Custom Heat operates across the Midlands and South West and has also gained recognition for its employment practices, including the successful introduction of a four day working week with Gold Standard accreditation, while maintaining high levels of customer service.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9 -15 February 2026, with this year’s theme focusing on Skills for Life.