South Lanarkshire College, Warmworks and City Technical Services (UK) Ltd have forged a new partnership aimed at creating new pathways into the heating, energy efficiency and renewable energy sector.
It will offer students a structured route into the domestic gas industry through a Domestic Gas Foundation Managed Learning Programme (MLP).
The collaboration has been facilitated by the Warmworks employability initiative, Warmstart, and reflects a shared commitment to supporting skills development, creating new career opportunities, and helping meet future workforce demands.
Programme structure and delivery
It will combine classroom learning, practical training and supervised workplace experience to prepare students for industry-recognised Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) gas assessments.
South Lanarkshire College will lead academic delivery, assessment, learner support and awarding body compliance, while City Technical Services (UK) Ltd will provide industry placements, mentoring and hands-on workplace experience. Warmworks will coordinate employer engagement, support placement planning and help ensure sufficient industry opportunities are available throughout the programme.
A key feature of Warmstart is its focus on career progression. Warmworks will work with its supply chain partners to create employability opportunities and employer engagement activities.
Industry and education leaders comment
Stella McManus, South Lanarkshire College principal and CEO said: “By bringing together the expertise of these three organisations, we are giving learners access to high-quality training, meaningful workplace experience, and valuable industry connections. This partnership demonstrates the power of effective collaboration between education and industry.
“As future skills shortages continue to challenge the sector, it is essential that colleges and employers work together to develop the skilled workforce Scotland needs. We are delighted to be working alongside Warmworks and City Technical Services (UK) Ltd to create valuable opportunities for our students while supporting the industry’s future talent pipeline.”
John Renwick, communities manager at Warmworks, said: “Through Warmstart, participants will have access to full-time training, industry-recognised qualifications and work placement opportunities, helping them become work-ready and take their first steps into the industry.
“The programme has been designed to address industry skills needs by creating a high-quality route into the gas sector, combining technical education with real-world experience. Students will complete over 266 hours of guided learning and a minimum of 18 weeks of supervised workplace experience as part of their training.
“It’s a very exciting time for the sector. I’d like to say a huge thank you to South Lanarkshire College and City Technical Services (UK) Ltd for their partnership and commitment to developing the next generation of talent.”
Background on the organisations
Stuart McKindless, operations director at City Technical Services (UK) Ltd added: “At City Technical Services (UK) Ltd, we are proud to collaborate with Warmworks and South Lanarkshire College on the Warmstart initiative. Having delivered managed learning programmes for several years, we have seen first-hand the value of combining quality training with practical workplace experience to help prepare people for a career in the gas industry.
“Through this partnership, we are looking to enhance this approach further, aligning our industry experience with high-quality academic and practical training. By providing 18 weeks of workplace experience, we can give students a valuable opportunity to put their learning into practice, understand the demands of the industry, and develop the confidence and practical skills needed to build a successful career in the gas sector.
“With demand for skilled gas engineers continuing to grow, Warmstart provides an important pathway into the industry, creating new opportunities for local people while helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to meet the future needs of the sector.”
Founded in 1948, South Lanarkshire College has been an important part of the region’s community for over 75 years. The college moved to a state-of-the-art purpose-built campus in the Technology Park in East Kilbride in 2008.
Founded in 2015, Warmworks is committed to providing affordable warmth to homes, families, and communities across the country. For over ten years, they have helped tens of thousands of people to better manage their energy use and live warmer, happier, healthier lives. Warmstart is Warmworks’ unique employability initiative, which aims to help people develop a successful, sustainable career in the energy services sector.
Since 2001, City Technical Services (UK) Ltd have built a reputation of quality, service, and support in the delivery of gas service, maintenance, and installation work as well as renewable energy technologies for both private and social housing customers.
