Just six months into her apprenticeship, Herefordshire heating installer Jessica Rose has already made her mark on the industry, taking home the Rising Star Award at the Heating Installer Awards 2025. Beating finalists from across the UK, Jessica impressed judges with her technical ability, attention to detail and determination to keep learning – even beyond her gas qualification.
In this interview, Jessica shares what the award has meant for her confidence, the challenges of balancing theory with hands-on work, and why she believes anyone new to the trade should back themselves and go for it.
Q: What did it mean to you to win Rising Star at this stage of your career?
A: Winning this award means a lot to me, mostly because it gave me the confidence to believe that I’m on the right path so early in my career.
Q: What part of your work or training do you feel best represents the kind of installer you’re becoming?
A: My attention to detail is one of my strongest skills, alongside my willingness to learn, especially to commitment to learn a variety of skills that will benefit my chosen trade.
Q: What are you most proud of learning or achieving so far in the trade?
A: I am most proud of pushing myself to share my journey in the trade as a female and putting myself out of my comfort zone to improve my knowledge and share this with others – just like I did entering into the Heating Installer Awards.
Q: What’s been the hardest part of your training, and how have you dealt with it?
A: Trying to balance the really technical theory learning with the on-site practical. I spend a lot of my free time practising, studying and trying to advance my skillset to make my working day easier.
Q: How important is learning the technical side of the job alongside hands-on experience?
A: It’s very important, as the technical side helps you to understand why you are doing the practical work. It is also very helpful to know whilst training, due to having exams and assessments that test you on it.
Q: Has winning the award changed your confidence or future plans in the industry?
A: Very much so, in such a positive way! It gave me a huge confidence boost and to even enter was a big step for me! It’s encouraged me to develop my skillset as a heating installer to hopefully enter in the future.
Q: What did you enjoy most about being part of the Heating Installer Awards?
A: I enjoyed the challenge and meeting the other incredible people in the industry.
Q: What would you say to other apprentices or new entrants who might not realise they’re good enough to enter?
A: Go for it! As long as you are committed to learning in your trade, anyone can enter. I entered after only being in my apprenticeship for six months – you’ll be surprised what you actually know and it’s fun to have a go.
Q: What are your predictions for the industry for 2026?
A: I think there will be a huge focus on energy efficiency and I think expanding our knowledge into this area will be worth considering!
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Continuing my training to gain my gas qualification, complete my heat pump course and I aim to learn more about surrounding breakdowns. I am looking forward to continuing to push myself and see where my journey takes me.
Enter the Heating Installer Awards here: heatinginstallerawards.co.uk
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