From Gas Engineer to MCS Heat Pump Business Owner: Szymon’s Journey with VitoEnergy
At VitoEnergy, we run an MCS umbrella service designed to support engineers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re new to the trade or already installing heat pumps, we help with compliance, paperwork, system design, and technical support so you can focus on what you do best: delivering quality installations.
One installer who knows this process inside and out is Szymon, who started out installing heat pumps with us and has since gone on to run his own MCS-accredited business. His story highlights both the challenges of going it alone and the benefits of working under an umbrella service like ours.
Starting Out: The Reality After Training
As Szymon explains, qualifying as a heat pump installer is just the beginning:
“After you get all your qualifications, you quickly realise you don’t actually know what to do next. You don’t understand the process, the equipment you’re on your own. It can feel like you’re completely in the dark.”
He’s quick to warn new engineers against the idea of taking a short course and immediately setting up shop on their own. Without proper guidance, the technical and compliance hurdles can quickly become overwhelming.
Why Support Matters
Heat pump installations are complex, and success requires more than just classroom knowledge. Beyond the hands-on skills, there’s also the administrative burden. As Szymon puts it:
“Just managing the paperwork alone takes up about 40% of the total work involved in an installation and that’s a lot.”
This is where working with VitoEnergy made the difference. By taking care of MCS compliance, heat loss calculations, system design, and commissioning, we allowed Szymon to focus on learning the technical side of installations while building confidence on the job.
The Transition to Independence
Eventually, Szymon decided to set up his own MCS business. He admits this path isn’t for everyone:
“I’m a bit of a control freak, so I wanted full ownership over every part of the process. But it’s exhausting.”
Running his own MCS means taking on the full weight of compliance and administration, in addition to installations. For many engineers, that workload can be a barrier to growth which is why umbrella services are so valuable.
The VitoEnergy Difference
Unlike other umbrella providers, VitoEnergy offers tiered levels of support to match each engineer’s experience:
- Experienced installers can simply use our CPS (Competent Person Scheme) to cover paperwork and compliance.
- Newer engineers can rely on us for remote heat loss calculations, design support, commissioning, and even on-site assistance with wiring, pipework, or base installation.
This flexibility allows engineers to run their businesses independently while having expert backup whenever it’s needed. As Szymon puts it:
“I’ve tried other umbrella services in the past but I wouldn’t choose any of them again. If you need support, VitoEnergy is by far the best umbrella to work under.”
Is our MCS Partnership Program for you?
Szymon’s journey shows that while the path from qualified installer to MCS business owner can be challenging, the right support makes all the difference. At VitoEnergy, our goal is simple: to help engineers succeed in the growing renewable heating industry whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the leap into running your own MCS.Want to learn more? Visit VitoEnergy’s MCS Umbrella Service to see how we can support your journey.
