Thinking about a new career as a Gas Engineer? But you're not sure what the job entails? Today, we want to talk about what a typical day as a working Gas Engineer looks like and how to get started training towards becoming a professional.
We have been teaching Gas Engineer training courses for many years and can help you to achieve your qualifications, gain new skills, knowledge and kick-start a fantastic new career!
The trade is in demand:
Considering a career in the trade right now is great idea. Why? The gas industry is a growing sector in the UK and there is a shortage of skilled gas engineers in the country. This means that there is plenty of work out the for new entrants to the trade as well as increasing wages as the demand increases.
Currently, the national average annual pay for a Gas Engineer is around £36,000. While those with even more experience and skill make as much as £60,000. Of course the average will depend on your area, typically those working in London and the South-East generally see higher salaries.
What is a typical day like?
First of all, there is no 'typical day' as a working Gas Engineer. Every day presents a new challenge, a new problem to solve and a new environment. This makes the role great for people who enjoy not having a routine.
Although you will work typical hours such as 9am - 5pm the work is refreshingly varied whether you are working in a domestic-setting, commercial or otherwise. For the most part a Gas Engineers role is to install, repair and service gas appliances and central heating systems.
Although, installs, repairs and servicing is at the heart of the role, you will need to think outside the box as you work with old and new appliances and face new challenges each day. Working around constraints and solving problems can be difficult, however, figuring out solutions to complex gas and heating problems can also be incredibly satisfying.
Working for yourself:
One great advantage of working as a Gas Engineer is the ability to become self-employed. The independence of working for yourself is very rewarding. You may choose to start working with a company, but later decide that you want to become self-employed once you have gained some reputation and experience in the trade.
This also means that you can control the type of work you do and the amount you charge for your services. You may want to start a company that specialises in boiler installations, for example. You have the ability to set your own rates, including emergency fees and call outs.
Ready to start on a new career path?
At our centre we provide Gas Engineer training courses that can help you become a professional Gas Engineer from scratch. Becoming a Gas Engineer is not easy and certainly can be challenging. However, we make the process as simple and as straightforward as possible.
Don't have any knowledge or experience at all? It doesn't matter, we offer training packages for complete new entrants. Our New Entrant Gas Training Package 2 includes 7-weeks of intensive training both practical and theory based, portfolio completion and an ACS assessment!
During the initial 7-weeks of training you will be taught by one of our fantastic instructors. Our expert instructors have years of experience both teaching and working out on the tools...
Over your time on the course you will learn the underpinning theory knowledge and hands-on practical skills that are required for you to eventually be in a position to register with Gas Safe.
After the initial training you will need to complete a portfolio that includes evidence of different jobs. To do this you will need to work alongside an already registered engineer.
What qualifications do you need to be considered a Gas Engineer?
There are two things you need, not just to be considered a 'Gas Engineer' but also to be able to carry out work legally. Not completing these two steps and still working with gas appliances in against the law...
ACS:
An ACS is an assessment. It includes different tests that focus on specific appliances. All candidates need to complete CCN1: Core Gas Safety and then the rest of the tests will depend on whether or not you have evidence of work in your portfolio.
You need to renew your ACS by taking another assessment every 5-years. You can add new appliances to your test as long as you have evidence of that work alongside a registered engineer.
Gas Safe Registered:
The Gas Safe Register is a database of all engineers working within the UK. It is a legal requirement to be registered with them if you work with gas in any way. You can apply for registration easily online or alternatively you can download a registration form. The cost of a new application is £347 plus VAT. This includes one engineer and registration fees for one year.
Once registered you will receive a Gas Safety ID which identifies your status as a legally working engineer. On the front there is an ID number which customers and employer can check online. Additionally, on the back of the card it will outline the appliances and type of work you can legally work with (determined by your ACS).
Need more information?
If you would like to learn more about our range of Gas Engineer courses feel free to give us a call on 01322 280 202. Over the phone we are more than happy to talk in more detail about our range of Gas training options. Whatever your personal career goals are, here at our centre we can help you achieve them through comprehensive training taught by expert instructors.
If you would prefer to speak to a member of staff in person then feel free to visit our office here in Dartford, Kent. You are welcome to pay us a visit without an appointment. Our office is open 7-days-a-week between 8:30 - 16:30. In person we can take bookings, discuss training options and even take you on a guided tour around our facilities so that you can see for yourself the great work that we do here.
