The outlook for the construction industry in 2025 is good with 2.9% growth expected – according to PwC. This will be a marked improvement from 2024, signalling some positive trends for both the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sectors, especially when it comes to talent.
This year has set the stage for growing demand for MEP and HVAC professionals in both the engineering and construction sectors. This demand has been driven (and will most likely continue to be driven in 2025) by a number of factors, including evolving technologies, such as AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and IoT integration, changing regulatory requirements (around sustainability and net zero) and market conditions themselves.
Emerging MEP industry trends for 2025
Three prominent trends in the industry are impacting MEP recruitment. These concern the move toward more efficient designs for both new builds and upgrade projects, and the increased use of technology, again in an ongoing endeavour towards improved sustainability.
- Increased demand for sustainable MEP solutions
With the move to minimise carbon emissions through energy-efficient designs and the use of renewable energy sources, there is increased demand for MEP industry specialists with the experience and skills to make that happen. This will be seen in areas like renewable energy integration and advanced building management systems, using IoT to create autonomous smart buildings that can regulate themselves, be more energy efficient and save money. It also extends into plumbing, with the goal of conserving water through smart leak detection, recycling wastewater and making use of low-flow fixtures.
- Digital transformation in the MEP industry
Digital transformation in MEP has been happening for the last few years but has recently gained momentum as the building industry has become more focused on efficiency and sustainability. The driver for this transformation is BIM – a holistic method of creating and managing digital models of a building, over its entire lifecycle, using data, the cloud and 4D modelling. Working with BIM is digital twin technology that creates real-time data and simulations of building systems to manage maintenance. Both these technologies will be used more in 2025, requiring highly skilled engineers to get the most out of them.
- Focus on retrofits and upgrades
The demand for skilled professionals doesn’t just encompass new build projects; with the rise in buildings being retrofitted or upgraded to make them more efficient and sustainable, the need for MEP engineers experienced in these projects is on the rise.
HVAC trends shaping the industry in 2025
When it comes to the HVAC industry, sustainability and energy efficiency are also influencing recruitment, driving the search for the right talent to fill specific roles with specialist skills. And with the industry experiencing a growth surge, which is set to continue throughout 2025, these workers will be in high demand. The UK market is expected to reach £7.37 billion by 2030 at a rate of 3.3% CAGR.
- Decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems
In order to reach decarbonisation targets, there is a continued move to decarbonising heating and cooling systems. This includes focusing on low carbon HVAC systems, such as the use of heat pumps as alternatives to the use of fossil fuels, solar power, as well as meeting legislative changes over using green refrigerants in industrial cooling and heating systems – those with low GWP (global-warming potential) and low ozone depletion.
These regulatory pressures – F-Gas, MEES, Eco-design Directive, ESOS, and Part L & Part F of building regulations (the Future Homes Standard coming into effect) – that deal with issues like energy efficiency all need to be considered when hiring talent in the HVAC industry. Specifically, engineers need to be aware of and experienced in implementing the actions demanded by changes in legislation.
- Smart IoT-connected HVAC systems
As ‘smart’ becomes more in demand in new and retrofit projects, there will be a proportional increase in the demand for engineers with experience of smart HVAC systems and IoT integrations. As a result of this HVAC trend, like the need for engineers that understand the impact of new regulations, smart systems will need specialised skills to make implementation, management and maintenance successful, while ensuring optimised performance and efficiency.
Challenges for MEP and HVAC recruitment
2025 will be different than 2024 in the challenges that the industry faces in terms of recruitment.
- Ongoing skills shortage
The continuing skills shortage remains a significant barrier – especially as new skills are in demand around the use of technology, digital tools, and changes to regulation.
- Shift toward specialisation
There will be a distinct shift towards specialisation – for both the MEP and HVAC industry – as a result, with recruiters finding experts in niche fields related to sustainability and digital technologies.
- Regional variances
In addition, recruitment strategies must now also account for regional variances. Urban areas continue to be hotspots for recruitment, driven by concentrated project needs and a high supply of skilled workers. However, rural regions face unique challenges, with talent often being more scarce, creating a need for recruitment teams to be more creative in their outreach and incentives to attract professionals to these less-populated areas. Geographic factors will play a significant role in determining how and where companies source and retain skilled MEP and HVAC professionals.
- Growing demand for flexible employment and work-life balance
There is an increasing demand for flexible employment from both employers and employees.
Employers are placing more emphasis on temporary and contract roles, aligning with the changing needs of projects in the MEP and HVAC industries. This is further compounded by the growing demand for work-life balance among talent.
Employees today are seeking hybrid working options and flexible schedules, which has led companies to adapt their recruitment and retention strategies.
In this environment, retaining talent is no longer solely about offering competitive salaries. Companies must also focus on creating workplace cultures that prioritise flexibility, personal well-being, and a healthy work-life balance. As workers place greater importance on these factors, organisations are increasingly expected to offer more than just traditional employment models to attract and keep top talent.
- Becoming employers of choice
Construction and engineering companies, in their drive to secure and keep the best talent, will also need to look at how to present themselves in the best way and become employers of choice to ensure they get the pick of the available talent.
How Vincent Gurney can help: Your HVAC and MEP recruitment partner for 2025
Vincent Gurney is a specialist in MEP and HVAC recruitment. We’ve been helping both candidates and employers for nearly a decade matching relevant, qualified talent with the right roles. We understand the ins and outs of the building services industry, as well as what companies are looking for when trying to fill roles.
Our process ensures we have access to a wide range of candidates with the best skills and experience, as well as making recruitment as pain-free as possible – getting the best results for both candidates and employers.
Into 2025 – Looking ahead to a thriving year
The building services sector won’t be standing still in 2025. With more spending forecast, a focus on energy efficiency, and adoption of new technology and digital tools, this guarantees a year like no other. What this means for MEP and HVAC recruitment is that demand will increase for skilled engineers, particularly those with the skills and experience to help companies take advantage of this year’s trends and meet the changing needs of the industries in terms of both expectation and regulation.
If you’re looking to stay ahead of your competition in 2025, contact the team at Vincent Gurney for expert HVAC recruitment and MEP recruitment solutions.