Making a career switch at any point can be a daunting prospect, particularly if that decision involves moving onto a completely new path later on in life.
For more mature candidates, things like childcare, utility bills, mortgage/rent payments and other financial commitments can all be factors when making such a big decision.
When switching to a career in construction, the ‘typical’ or ‘traditional’ training methods, such as apprenticeships or college courses, simply aren’t feasible. Unfortunately, this can lead many to believe it’s too late to start a new career, but it’s never too late!
One of the longest-standing challenges the construction sector faces is a shortage of qualified tradespeople. With nearly half of all construction apprenticeships left incomplete, there is a massive gap and potential opportunities for older generations interested in a construction role.
In terms of building a career in the gas industry, private training providers can be an effective and efficient way of growing your skills and obtaining the formal qualifications needed to begin finding work. It’s also worth noting that the average age of those currently working in the gas industry is 55, so it is by no means a sector dominated by younger workers.
What skills are needed to build a successful career in gas?
Naturally, a career as a gas engineer is best suited to someone who enjoys a predominantly practical job. There is, of course, an element of admin — such as diary keeping and invoicing — but like any trade, a big portion of the day-to-day will involve physical tasks.
Patience and a knack for problem-solving will also serve you well, as will good communication skills when it comes to meeting with customers and operating alongside other tradespeople if based on a busy site.
How quickly can I train in gas?
Providing a definitive timescale for completing a gas qualification can be tricky, as a big portion of it revolves around assembling your portfolio.
If we’re talking about a complete newcomer to the industry, it’s probably easiest to look at your training in three sections.
- Initial training (8 weeks): You’ll begin by completing an industry-recognised Managed Learning Programme (MLP) with an accredited training centre.
- Portfolio (150 hours): Next, you’ll put your skills into action by compiling a work-based portfolio while under the supervision of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer
- ACS Exams (5 days): Once you complete your training and portfolio, you must undertake the relevant ACS assessment before joining the Gas Safe Register.
Is a career in gas still worth it?
Given how much talk there is surrounding sustainability in construction, it’s only natural to have questions over the longevity of an industry like gas.
Yes, the use of gas boilers will eventually phase out, and hydrogen supplies might replace natural gas, but the reality is that none of this is going to happen anytime in the next decade. In fact, the government has already hinted that it will be scrapping the proposed 2035 ban on gas boilers, suggesting any real changes could be even further away than initially thought.
That isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of exciting opportunities surrounding green technologies in the gas industry, rather, that any skills you learn now are going to be just as valuable 10/20 years down the line. Even when those large-scale changes do come into effect, workers with existing gas skills could play a crucial role in handling any transition.
If you are considering switching to a career in gas, then Able Skills offers a variety of flexible courses that can be tailored to suit your individual circumstances. You can find more information about all of our gas training here.