We follow student Fahad on his path from plumber to Gas Safe registration and beyond
The time it can take to become a qualified gas engineer will vary depending on which route to the industry you take. An apprenticeship route could take up to four years. Pursuing training with a private training provider can be considerably quicker.
Training, work experience, and assessments involve several vital steps. These ensure that engineers are safe and competent and meet the requirements for Gas Safe Registration, a legal requirement for all gas engineers in the UK.
In this article, we follow gas student Fahad as he progresses through his initial training, portfolio, assessments and on to more advanced specialist training.
1. Initial gas training: Managed Learning Programme (MLP)
Fahad was the first person to be registered on the new LCL route (LCL Awards Managed Learning Programme) at Able Skills. Already working as a plumber, he opted for the Gas Training for Plumbers course.
Depending on experience, the MLP element is a 6-8 week training programme with written exams and practical assessments covering the theory and practical knowledge needed to be a competent and safe heating engineer.
Fahad started his initial training on 14/11/2022 and finished on 02/01/2023.
2. Work Placement: Portfolio Completion
After completing the MLP, Fahad progressed to the portfolio completion during 2023. During this time, he collected a portfolio of evidence to show work-based competence by working alongside a Gas Safe registered engineer who supervised, verified and recorded his work.
Although there’s a two-year window to complete your portfolio, it can be done much quicker. However, there is a mandatory minimum 6-month gap between completion of initial training before you can access the ACS assessment.
Fahad completed his work placement in 2023.
3. ACS Assessment
Once the portfolio is completed, the next step is the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) Assessment. This initial ACS assessment is the industry-recognised certificate of competence.
Fahad completed his ACS Initial assessment on 23/10/2023.
4. Further training
Fahad also completed the Boiler Fault Finding / Wiring and Controls course, which takes one week. This course is only available to Gas Safe registered engineers or individuals who have already completed the MLP with Able Skills.
Fahad completed the Boiler Fault Finding & Heating Controls course on 27/11/2023.
He then returned nearly a year later to do the Cookers and Fires assessment on 28/10/2024.
Fahad was the first person to be registered on the new LCL route at Able Skills and the first student to come back to complete the cookers and fires assessment two years later.
If a new career as a gas engineer is something you’re considering, this achievable route to industry could take around 12 months, depending on an individual's experience and progress through the managed learning programme and portfolio placement.
At Able Skills we have guaranteed portfolio placements available through our partner at Wrightway Gas Service. Find out more about Able Skills Gas Engineer Courses or visit the training centre.
Gas Engineer
