Major changes those undertaking Gas Training Courses NEED to know about

 

Earlier this year the The Strategic Management Board (SMB) made changes to 'Guidance Note 8' (GN8) in March as part of the new training requirements for those who are already working within the industry, as well as new entrants too. Even further changes have now officially been put forward as both the SMB and The Standard Setting Body (SSB) have come to a decision which again will affect all students who have recently undergone various Gas Training Courses. Before we detail the changes, let's begin by explaining a little more about what GN8 actually is.

GN8 gives those within the industry details on the entry routes for ACS Assessments and what's needed from Gas Engineers in order to increase their range of work or scope. The sole reason behind the new changes is to ensure candidates are more than competent enough to progress towards the next stage of their career and hence minimising any room for error with regards to public safety.

For those looking to get into the industry and even those looking to extend their scope, must now register themselves with Gas Safe for 6 months before learning additional appliances such as cookers, fires and warm air heaters etc.

So what's the plan?

 

Let's map these new changes out giving you a clearer view of how your journey to becoming a Gas Engineer will look:

1.IGEM Gas Management Learning Programme - Consisting of...

• Gas Training at a recognised centre
• Work Portfolio
• Gaining the relevant awarding body training certificate

2.ACS Assessments

3.Registering with Gas safe

4.6 Months industry experience

5.Additional Appliance Assessments

The Difference

 

Prior to these changes, students would have been able to extend their appliance scope after completing their CCN1 Assessments but there was no requirement to be Gas Safe Registered to do such additional assessments.

As stated above, the new requirements have been put in place with the public's best interests in mind as it's argued many aspiring Gas Engineer's simply are not competent enough to fully digest and apply their existing skills before extending their scope.

If becoming a Gas Engineer is something you've been considering, it might be worth heading over to: Gas Training Courses for an extensive list of various routes.