Building services provider commits to trio of new M&E trade apprenticeships

Arc Tech apprentices Lewis Esson (left) and Ross Stewart
Current apprentices Lewis Esson and Ross Stewart

BUILDING services provider Arc-Tech (Scotland) has reaffirmed its commitment to provide M&E trade apprenticeships in 2025 with a confirmed intake of three new entrants for the forthcoming academic year.

The firm designs and installs mechanical, electrical, and renewable solutions to support commercial, industrial, and residential contracts across the country.

Arc-Tech was formed in 2016 and now boasts an annual turnover in excess of £27 million and a direct labour force of 100 skilled employees. Offering trade apprenticeships and trainee programmes is described as ‘integral’ to the company’s growth strategies, with the 2025 apprentice intake a continuation of youth employment opportunities that have been made available every year.

MD John Gallacher said, “We have always recognised the value of skills replenishment, and we are extremely proud to continue our trade apprentice intake for another year. The sector is currently facing challenges, including a skills shortage, so it is imperative that we continue to invest in young people and future talent.”

The three new recruits will be employed across electrical, heating engineering and plumbing trades, and will undertake a programme comprising a mix of applied learning and theory with recognised colleges.

To commemorate Arc-Tech’s intake announcement, two of the firm’s 15 apprentices were pictured at a new mixed-use development in Edinburgh. Lewis Esson (21) from East Kilbride and Ross Stewart (21) from Renfrew are third and fourth-year apprentice plumbers, and have offered some advice to young people thinking of taking on an apprenticeship.

Lewis said, “I am really looking forward to my final year as an apprentice. I am another step forward being fully qualified and I am excited for my future. I think some people might think an apprenticeship is easy, but it is not. It takes a while to get used to it and you really have to stick it out the first period. When you do, it is really rewarding and I take great pride in what I have achieved in the last three years.”

Ross added, “I have really enjoyed the experience. Not only have I learned skills for life, but I have also made some really good friends along the way. I definitely want to stay on the tools for a wee while yet, but I already have an eye on a managerial role – mechanical project management really interests me and I believe my apprenticeship has given me the confidence and abilities to take on that challenge.”