Arc-Tech marks decade of growth with new apprentice intake
(from left) Craig Boyle, Peter Dunlop, Marco Cocozza, Andrew Halliday, John Gallacher, Zoe Jamieson, Ross Malcolmson, Adam Leask, Brian Alderdice and George Rae
Mechanical and electrical firm Arc-Tech (Scotland) is marking its 10-year anniversary by launching its 2026 apprentice intake.
Operating across Scotland, the business has scaled steadily over the past decade and is set to exceed £40 million in annual turnover for the first time this financial year.
As it enters its second decade, Arc-Tech is combining reflection on its growth with clear forward momentum through continued investment in apprenticeships, marked by a photocall at the company’s Glasgow HQ with some of its longest-serving staff members.
Managing director John Gallacher recognised the significance of what the 10-year milestone represents for the Scottish firm, which has evolved from a small founding team into a nationally operating contractor delivering major projects across commercial, industrial, healthcare and residential sectors.
Rather than focusing solely on past success, the business is using the anniversary to signal its long-term ambition.
John Gallacher said: “Reaching our 10-year anniversary is a proud milestone for everyone in the business. We have grown from the ground up into a company that employs over 100 staff and works with some of the biggest contractors Scotland - but what matters most is how we’ve achieved that growth.
“From day one, we made a conscious decision to invest in our people, securing some of the very best experts from the building services sector, as well as investing in apprenticeships, training, and professional development. That commitment has given us stability, with a strong order book supported by repeat business, while also strengthening our culture and allowed us to scale in a sustainable way.
Ross Malcolmson
“As we move into our second decade, developing the next generation of skilled engineers and tradespeople remains fundamental to our future.”
Arc-Tech’s expansion to more than 100 employees has been underpinned by a deliberate focus on workforce development and retention.
Many of the company’s longest-serving team members have progressed through carefully considered development programmes, advancing into senior technical and leadership roles.
This approach has enabled the firm to maintain consistent standards while operating across multiple regions and delivering increasingly complex projects.
Purchasing manager Ross Malcolmson, who has been with Arc-Tech since 2016, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been part of Arc-Tech’s journey. Despite the challenging and often volatile conditions that we and our peers have faced over the past decade, the business has continued to go from strength to strength. That success is a testament to the leadership of the Board and the dedication and professionalism of our staff.
“The Building Services sector remains one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of the construction industry, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds as our business continues to push the boundaries of quality, innovation and customer service.”
As part of its anniversary year activity, Arc-Tech has confirmed it will recruit a new cohort of five apprentices in 2026, taking the total number of apprentices to 16, across mechanical and electrical disciplines.
Peter Dunlop
The intake will provide opportunities for young people throughout Scotland to gain industry-recognised qualifications while working on live projects.
Roles will combine on-site experience with structured college learning and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Peter Dunlop was one of the very first apprentices to join Arc-Tech in 2017 and is set to enter his final year of studies before graduating as a fully qualified quantity surveyor.
He said: “I have many fond memories of my apprenticeship. From learning how to navigate the site environment to working alongside my teammates, it was an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. The principles of the programme have helped me mature and develop as I’ve progressed into a new field – something that has been made easier thanks to the day-to-day support of my colleagues.”
For the board, apprenticeships are not a short-term response to industry skills shortages, but a core element of long-term workforce planning.
Andrew Halliday, commercial director, added: “The sector continues to face skills challenges, and sustainable growth depends on developing talent from within.
“Our apprentices are not separate from the business — they are integral to it. As we enter our second decade, we are strengthening that commitment and creating meaningful opportunities for young people across Scotland, and we very much look forward to welcoming our new entrants later this year.”








