Scotland’s Gas Certification Company launches new scheme to encourage youngsters into the gas industry
24 Feb 2026
The first group of scholars on GCC’s new Ignite Scholarship programme
Gas Certification Company (GCC) based in Blantyre outside Glasgow has been working on a solution to help tackle the impending shortfall in gas engineers in Scotland. The company’s new Ignite Scholarship Scheme has been created in partnership with The Education Academy Scotland (TEAS) to address this challenge head-on by identifying, supporting, and developing the young talent required to sustain a healthy gas industry North of the Border.
GCC’s Managing Director, Andrew McNab. explains:
“We’ve launched the new scholarship scheme to encourage more young people into the sector. With over 50% of the UK’s gas engineers currently over the age of 55, at least half of them will reach retirement age within the next 12 years. At the same time, there is a critical shortage of young people entering the industry. We need to wake up to this challenge and put measures in place to rectify falling numbers to protect our energy sector in the future.
“Afterall, such a significant skills gap will not only impact the gas sector but substantially limit our ability to transition experienced engineers into the renewable energy sector in the future, which puts the UK’s Net Zero ambitions at risk.
“Our Ignite Scholarship Scheme is not just about encouraging more young people into the industry; it is about attracting the right people. Individuals who demonstrate commitment, discipline, and determination by dedicating their time to learning and development. The qualities required to build a strong, future-ready workforce.”
Jo Kelly, Centre Manager, describes how it works:
“The scheme is designed for young people in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and neighbouring areas. Pupils in their final year at school, who express an interest in working in the gas sector will be given the opportunity to boost their studies and skills with extra studies at the weekends, setting them up for a successful start in a rewarding career.
“We will be working with qualified TEAS teachers to provide 10 weeks of extra structured tutoring in National 5 Maths and Physics to help the scholars attain the two key gateway qualifications they’ll need to succeed.
“Alongside this we shall provide hands-on practical experience in our workshops that covers soldering, gas safety testing, programming, electrical skills, and other key practical elements that sector employers look for in new recruits. The primary aim is to support learners in improving their expected grades ahead of their examinations, whilst developing a genuine understanding of the industry. This combination allows scholars to connect theory with real-world application building both confidence and competence.
“Beyond this, we have developed a guaranteed progression pathway for all scholars who successfully complete the scheme, which includes a confirmed place on a 36-week industry-related pre-apprenticeship programme at one of Scotland’s leading colleges.
The Ignite Scholarship Scheme is unique in creating a direct route into an apprenticeship and thereby long-term employment within the sector. We are immensely proud to be working in partnership with Graeme Rough and his team at The Education Academy, in supporting our first 10 scholars who began the scheme in January.”
Louise Smith, GCC’s Business Director concurs,
“Support and funding from our sponsors has made the Ignite Scholarship Scheme a reality and for that we are all incredibly grateful. It’s exciting to have been involved in developing a pioneering scheme that will make a lasting difference for our industry as well as our communities. I am excited to be part of it and look forward to seeing the initiative grow.”
The first group of scholars on GCC’s new Ignite Scholarship programme
Gas Certification Company (GCC) based in Blantyre outside Glasgow has been working on a solution to help tackle the impending shortfall in gas engineers in Scotland. The company’s new Ignite Scholarship Scheme has been created in partnership with The Education Academy Scotland (TEAS) to address this challenge head-on by identifying, supporting, and developing the young talent required to sustain a healthy gas industry North of the Border.
GCC’s Managing Director, Andrew McNab. explains:
“We’ve launched the new scholarship scheme to encourage more young people into the sector. With over 50% of the UK’s gas engineers currently over the age of 55, at least half of them will reach retirement age within the next 12 years. At the same time, there is a critical shortage of young people entering the industry. We need to wake up to this challenge and put measures in place to rectify falling numbers to protect our energy sector in the future.
“Afterall, such a significant skills gap will not only impact the gas sector but substantially limit our ability to transition experienced engineers into the renewable energy sector in the future, which puts the UK’s Net Zero ambitions at risk.
“Our Ignite Scholarship Scheme is not just about encouraging more young people into the industry; it is about attracting the right people. Individuals who demonstrate commitment, discipline, and determination by dedicating their time to learning and development. The qualities required to build a strong, future-ready workforce.”
Jo Kelly, Centre Manager, describes how it works:
“The scheme is designed for young people in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and neighbouring areas. Pupils in their final year at school, who express an interest in working in the gas sector will be given the opportunity to boost their studies and skills with extra studies at the weekends, setting them up for a successful start in a rewarding career.
“We will be working with qualified TEAS teachers to provide 10 weeks of extra structured tutoring in National 5 Maths and Physics to help the scholars attain the two key gateway qualifications they’ll need to succeed.
“Alongside this we shall provide hands-on practical experience in our workshops that covers soldering, gas safety testing, programming, electrical skills, and other key practical elements that sector employers look for in new recruits. The primary aim is to support learners in improving their expected grades ahead of their examinations, whilst developing a genuine understanding of the industry. This combination allows scholars to connect theory with real-world application building both confidence and competence.
“Beyond this, we have developed a guaranteed progression pathway for all scholars who successfully complete the scheme, which includes a confirmed place on a 36-week industry-related pre-apprenticeship programme at one of Scotland’s leading colleges.
The Ignite Scholarship Scheme is unique in creating a direct route into an apprenticeship and thereby long-term employment within the sector. We are immensely proud to be working in partnership with Graeme Rough and his team at The Education Academy, in supporting our first 10 scholars who began the scheme in January.”
Louise Smith, GCC’s Business Director concurs,
“Support and funding from our sponsors has made the Ignite Scholarship Scheme a reality and for that we are all incredibly grateful. It’s exciting to have been involved in developing a pioneering scheme that will make a lasting difference for our industry as well as our communities. I am excited to be part of it and look forward to seeing the initiative grow.”