Plumber, heating engineer, or gas engineer? They’re not the same trades, yet there’s lots of similarities and overlap. Many heating engineers work alongside gas engineers, many plumbers are also heating engineers.
The most distinct differences are when it comes to the specific types of work and legal requirements. Gas engineers are legally required to be registered with Gas Safe. Gas work of any description cannot be carried out unless you are a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Plumbers, unless they’re also registered with Gas Safe, can’t touch any gas work at all, but can work on things like water systems, drainage, pipe work, and plumbing installations.
Why qualify in plumbing and gas?
It’s incredibly common that plumbers go on to train and qualify in gas, to offer a fuller service as a tradesperson or to offer more skills as an employee.
Being able to do both plumbing and gas could open up more opportunities for your career by increasing the scope of work you can take on, which in turn may increase your earning potential and employment prospects.
At the time of writing this article, current annual earnings for plumbers in the UK are £35,783 (click here for live data from Indeed), while gas engineers earn significantly more at £41,070 – that’s over £5k more.
Being able to do plumbing and gas services if you’re self-employed, makes it easier to manage projects and increase profitability. There’s no need to contract out to a gas engineer as well – you can do it all if you have the relevant qualifications and registrations.
While a level 2 or level 3 plumbing qualification is not a prerequisite before beginning gas training—in fact, you don’t need to have any prior experience in plumbing—there is a degree of transferrable skills and knowledge. For example, knowledge of heating and hot water systems, and practical skills such as running pipework and soldering.
For anyone considering a new career as a plumber or as a gas engineer, it’s seriously worth considering getting qualified in both.
Qualify in plumbing and in gas with one combined training package
As mentioned above, you don’t need any previous experience in either trade before you start. The Able Skills Combined Plumbing & Gas Course is a comprehensive programme for both, taking you from the basics to a full understanding of modern domestic plumbing, then through the necessary training and qualifications to seek Gas Safe Registration. The course combines the following:
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies (6035)- an industry-recognised formal trade qualification in domestic plumbing
- WRAS Certificate – water regulations
- G3 Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems – vented and unvented hot water systems training HWSS certification
- Gas Managed Learning Programme (MLP) – theory and practical knowledge needed to become a safe and competent heating engineer
- Gas Portfolio Placement - log 150 hours of supervised work with a Gas Safe Registered Engineer
- ACS exams - assessment in Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) and Central Heating Boilers / Water Heaters (CENWAT)
Why book one package of learning for plumbing and gas?
If your overall aim is to be a qualified plumber and a Gas Safe Registered Engineer, this combined training is a route to achieve that.
You’ll learn all aspects of domestic plumbing and gain an industry-recognised level 2 qualification.
You’ll learn how to work safely with domestic gas appliances and gain the relevant training, qualifications and experience to register with Gas Safe.
Some sections of the training can be done as weekend training, allowing you to fit it in with other commitments such as work or family.
You can spread the cost of training with pay-as-you-train instalments.
To learn more about this opportunity to train in plumbing and gas, visit the course page here. You can also call us on 01322 280 202 or drop by the Able Skills training centre any time we’re open to have a chat and a tour around the facilities.