Gas engineer work experience – It’s not just about boilers

Are You Experienced? If you’re thinking of becoming a gas heating installer, it’s important to get a real sense of what the job is like and familiarise yourself with the world of work. You’re in a position of trust and responsibility and you need to know how to handle yourself – as well as the tools of the trade. There’s no better way to accustom yourself than getting practical on-the-job experience. This will help towards gaining your Gas ACS – a necessary requirement of joining the Gas Safe Register. Training standards have recently been updated to ensure candidates are properly skilled, with experience a part of this – something we offer as an element of our gas Managed Learning Programmes. Working on site or gaining practical work experience will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the tools, and get to grips with some of the other practical skills you’ll need to master. Experience is not just about the nuts and bolts of the installing and servicing appliances, however…  

What’s to Learn?

You’re looking for experience on all levels. You need to know how to use the tools you’ll be working with day-to-day. You also need to learn what it’s like to be at work; how you deal with customers and fellow workers, for example:

• Time-keeping. Make sure you turn up ready for work when you’re supposed to. If you’re held up, call your boss and/or the customer to explain what’s happened and reassure them you’re on your way.
• Dealing with customers. You need to be polite and confident. Get used to showing your ID card when you arrive onsite and shake your customer by the hand.
• Working with others. Be considerate of your workmates, make sure you’re on the ball and ready to step in if they need your help. If someone makes you a cup of tea – offer them one later.
• Keeping track of time. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on how long it takes to perform certain tasks and to think about time in terms of money – this will help you when you later come to prepare quotes and estimates.

 

Where to get this experience

If you’re not already employed it might seem a bit daunting, but many companies would be really pleased to have a bit of extra help from a keen volunteer. Ask around or call up some local trades people and tell them what you have to offer. To gain a real variety of experience, there’s always the possibility of helping friends and family out with DIY at home. via GIPHY  

Looking to the Future

Having some real work experience under your belt will help you in future job applications. Most companies are keen to see that someone has shown commitment and imagination in getting themselves some practical experience. If you can show you have an understanding of the day-to-day demands of site work, you’ll find yourself ahead of the pack. We offer would-be heating engineers practical experience as part of our new entrants training programmes. For more details please click here