GSS Group is a powerhouse of companies dedicated to raising industry benchmarks through an unwavering focus on competence. Operating across multiple sectors in India and globally, the group delivers integrated solutions through its subsidiaries—GSS Training, JP Energy, and Core Inspection.
GSS Training leads the charge in industrial skill development, offering over 100 internationally accredited courses. These programs empower professionals with the expertise needed to adapt to evolving industry demands. JP Energy specializes in sourcing top-tier talent for the oil, gas, and construction sectors. By adhering to the highest ethical standards, the company ensures businesses receive skilled manpower that drives operational excellence. Core Inspection guarantees quality and safety at every stage through rigorous inspection services, reinforcing industry best practices.
With a strong presence in the UK, India, China, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, and the UAE, GSS Group is committed to unlocking the full potential of individuals and businesses. Its diverse verticals converge to create meaningful impact, fostering growth and innovation while upholding an uncompromising commitment to competence and excellence.
At India Energy Week 2025, Gareth Kirby, CEO of GSS Group, spoke exclusively with The Interview World. He highlighted how the group equips industry professionals with essential training and certifications to uphold quality and safety standards in the energy sector. He also addressed the pressing competency gap, outlined opportunities for certification and skill development in India, and shared compelling success stories where GSS Training has transformed businesses.
Here are the key insights from his impactful conversation.
Q: How does GSS support industry professionals in maintaining quality and safety standards through its training programs and certifications in the energy sector?
A: GSS delivers a comprehensive range of certifications, primarily British qualifications recognized worldwide. We specialize in training across the entire energy sector, from oil and gas to high-hazard industries like hydrogen projects and wind energy. Our courses include globally respected programs from OPITO, the leading oil and gas training organization, as well as certifications from CompEx, LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association), and several other industry authorities. By equipping professionals with internationally accredited credentials, we empower them to meet the highest safety and competency standards in their fields.
Q: What training and certification gaps exist in the gas and energy industries? How is GSS addressing these gaps to improve efficiency and meet industry requirements?
A: International businesses are increasingly employing large numbers of skilled Indian workers. While India boasts a highly educated and capable workforce, a significant gap exists between theoretical knowledge gained from degrees and the practical skills needed in the workplace. GSS bridges this gap through specialized short courses that equip individuals with the hands-on expertise required to excel in the energy industry.
Our programs open doors at multiple levels—entry, supervisory, and advanced—allowing professionals to build meaningful careers in high-demand sectors. India’s workforce is not only vast but also highly intelligent and adaptable. With global employers actively seeking top-tier talent, we remain committed to developing India’s workforce and connecting them with opportunities worldwide.
Q: India presents a significant market opportunity for GSS. How do you assess the demand for training and skill development in the energy sector, and key growth areas?
A: India has a staggering 600 million people under the age of 35, yet research shows that 99% of them have never received any formal work-based training. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Middle East is undertaking multiple mega-projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia. However, these nations face a severe workforce shortage, making it difficult to complete these projects within their budget and timeline. India’s workforce provides the ideal solution. Indian professionals are globally recognized for their strong work ethic, high education levels, and willingness to relocate. Young workers, in particular, are eager to upskill, train, and explore opportunities abroad.
Finding skilled talent in India is easy, but ensuring they receive proper training before deployment is a challenge due to the country’s vast geography. To address this, we operate multiple training centers across India, equipping candidates with the skills needed before they mobilize overseas.
Once trained and trade-tested, they arrive in destinations like Qatar and Abu Dhabi ready to perform from day one. This seamless transition enables mega-projects to progress at the pace Middle Eastern nations demand, ensuring efficiency and success on a global scale.
Q: Can you share successful cases where GSS training has impacted businesses, highlighting pre- and post-training development, revenue growth, or other measurable improvements?
A: Last year, we successfully executed a large-scale workforce training and mobilization project for a leading engineering company in Qatar. The goal was to recruit, train, and deploy over 300 skilled professionals.
We sourced talent in India, identified skill gaps, and provided targeted training. For those already competent, we conducted rigorous trade tests to certify their proficiency before deployment. Our team also managed visa processing and medical clearances, ensuring a seamless transition.
Upon arrival in Qatar, these workers had minimal downtime before offshore deployment, saving the company significant costs. The project was completed on time and within budget. By streamlining training and reducing idle time, we cut training expenses by 30% and saved the company hundreds of thousands of riyals in unnecessary accommodation costs. Workers arrived fully prepared, eliminating delays and maximizing efficiency.
Building on this success, we have replicated the model for other clients. In fact, just this morning, we secured a contract to train and deploy another 800 professionals for a major project in Qatar.
