Fife College, working in partnership with ceda and its member companies, has launched its first college-delivered BPEC Commercial Catering Gas Foundation programme.
Created for individuals with no prior experience in the gas industry, the programme blends classroom-based learning with hands-on training in modern workshop facilities. Learners will also benefit from valuable industry work placements, helping them build practical, real-world experience.
The programme officially began on Tuesday 5 May, with students welcomed to Fife College’s National Gas Training and Assessment Centre at the Glenrothes Campus. There, they will develop essential knowledge in commercial gas safety and catering appliance installation, before progressing to Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) Gas Safe Registered assessments in December.
Training includes key industry modules such as CCCN1 and COMCAT 1, 3 and 5, equipping learners with the qualifications and skills needed to start a career in commercial catering engineering.
Participating employers include DTS Engineering Services Limited, West Cove Catering Repair Ltd, ScoMac Catering Equipment Ltd, Prois | Prois Air | Prois Service, Clan Engineering (Scotland) Ltd, and Grade A Catering Engineers.
Justin Ring, Community Development Manager (Technical) at ceda, comments on the launch of this Managed Learning Programme (MLP):
“Getting this Managed Learning Programme off the ground has been a priority for ceda and Fife College, and I am delighted to see it come together. For our Members in Scotland, the workforce gap in commercial catering engineers has been a challenge; this programme is the practical, high-quality solution we have been working toward.
I must highlight the incredible foundation work by Peter Kay, Adam Mason, and the ceda team in getting us to this point. I would also like to extend a massive thank you to the team at Fife College. Working with Sheena Watson has been a total breath of fresh air. Her energy and the college's proactive approach to creating this solution have been instrumental in launching it.
It is great to see ceda Members continually investing in future-proofing the sector. We hope to see this foundation develop into a long-term, sustainable pipeline for engineering talent in Scotland.”
Ian McGurk, Curriculum Manager: Building Services & New Technologies, said:
“It is a pleasure to finally welcome this group of students to Fife College. It has been a privilege to work alongside our colleagues at ceda and their respective companies throughout this process.
When we were approached at Fife College to develop a course that would allow future engineers to progress naturally into the commercial catering industry, we rose to the challenge. We now look forward to working with everyone involved to deliver a course that meets the needs of a thriving industry that supports establishments across Scotland and helps safeguard its future.
A massive thank you goes to everyone who played a part in bringing this together.”
Throughout the programme, employers and ceda members will engage with learners through visits and ongoing support, helping them build their portfolios and develop the practical experience required to qualify as commercial catering engineers.
