The Electric Heating Company (EHC) has joined forces with the Gas Certification Company (GCC) to help spark the next generation of energy professionals.

The Blantyre firm has donated a four-figure sum to support GCC's bid to encourage young talent to enter the industry via the Ignite Scholarship.

Developed by GCC in partnership with The Education Academy Scotland, and launched this year for the first time, the programme is designed to help Glasgow young people gain STEM qualifications, hands-on experience, and fast-track access to apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and electric heating.

"The Electric Heating Company is delighted to support the apprentice scheme for GCC," said EHC chief executive David Barrett.

"Decarbonisation of heating and moving away from gas heating systems over time is a big opportunity for the UK, but we need to have enough trained installers to meet the growing demand. 

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"As a company that champions electric heating as a greener alternative, EHC is in full support of the scholarship's vision of a sustainable energy future.

"The industry is changing fast with gas giving way to low-carbon alternatives, and the next generation of engineers and technicians will be the ones driving that transition. Investing in their education today is an investment in a cleaner tomorrow."

Initially launched in South Lanarkshire for its first run in 2026, the scholarship will open up to the Greater Glasgow area in future years.

Mr Barrett added: "By supporting the Ignite Scholarship, we're not just funding qualifications. We're helping to build a workforce ready to step into careers in electric heating and related trades and shape a greener energy landscape, one that EHC is proud to be part of.

"The Electric Heating Company has always believed in investing in people and building strong career pathways into the industry. That's why we're proud to say we have donated to the Ignite Scholarship, and we're excited to see the results."

The scholarship workshops run for up to 10 weeks at GCC's Blantyre base and it is hoped those who complete it successfully will be left not just with the necessary qualifications, skills and knowledge to enter the industry, but that they will be encouraged to work in gas engineering and its related disciplines.

Andrew McNab, chief executive of the Gas Certification Company said: "Not enough young people are entering our sector, and the Gas Certification Company has acted to create its own bespoke and pioneering solution, meeting the needs of the industry and its employers."