Additional training and qualifications are great ways for tradespeople to boost their employability and earning potential by offering a wider variety of services.
One of the most common additional training routes is for those already working in the plumbing industry to go on and complete their gas qualifications. With many similarities and crossovers between the two trades, both plumbing and gas qualifications complement one another to create a well-rounded skill set.
Below, we’ll highlight some of the key reasons why completing your gas training as a plumber could be worth your while, and why it may not take as long as you think.
Offer a fuller service
Given that the areas plumbers work in are often directly linked to gas appliances like boilers, they are often limited in the work they can carry out if they don’t hold the necessary gas qualifications and aren’t a member of the Gas Safe Register.
This means the customer either has to wait until a qualified gas engineer is available, or more likely, they seek out a plumber who is able to complete all the necessary works themselves.
Managed Learning Programmes mean shorter training times
The time spent training and consequent loss of earnings can often be a hurdle for many tradespeople looking to expand their skills. However, a Managed Learning Programme (MLP) aimed at those already working in the construction industry can significantly reduce the time needed to complete the training and get qualified.
When enrolling in an MLP, you’ll complete a short assessment to establish the level of knowledge and skills you already possess. This will determine the length and content of your training. For experienced plumbers, the Guided Learning Hours (GLH) may be reduced due to the similarities between the two trades.
There are a number of crossover skills between both trades. Pipework, soldering and an understanding of heating and water systems are all skills that seamlessly transfer between the two.
Demand for gas engineers in the green transition
Gas remains a valued skill in the construction industry as the sector moves towards a more sustainable future with a focus on hydrogen gas supplies.
Once the transition to hydrogen is made, the fundamental core skills of current gas engineers are expected to be easily transferable, making it a valuable skill set to possess both right now, and in the long-term future.
Even before this shift, as three out of four households in England and Wales still rely on natural gas for heating, there are a significant number of existing boilers still in use that will need servicing and repairing for at least the next decade.
Earning potential
According to Indeed, the average annual salary of a plumber in the UK is currently £30,517*, whereas, the annual salary of a plumber who also holds gas qualifications is £38,273*, marking a significant rise in potential earnings.
Are you an experienced plumber looking to add gas to your services? Able Skills offers a gas qualification course tailored to those who have been working in the industry for two years, or who hold a recognised qualification in the mechanical services engineering sector.
Drop by the training centre for a chat and we’d be happy to help you find the right course. If you can’t make it, call us on 01322 280 202.
*Average salary data taken from Indeed at time of writing and may vary