Warmworks launches new Warmstart partnership with South Lanarkshire College

Warmworks has partnered with South Lanarkshire College and City Technical Services (UK) Ltd to create new routes into careers in the heating, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sectors for students.

Created through Warmworks’ employability initiative, Warmstart, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing skills, creating career opportunities, and helping meet future workforce needs.

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 enough 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, employer engagement activities, and introductions to potential recruiters.

While employment is not guaranteed, the partnership aims to improve students’ chances of securing long-term careers within the sector by helping them build experience, confidence, and professional networks.

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.”

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.”

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.”