How long does it take to become a gas engineer?

The length of the journey and the route may vary, but for everyone the final destination is the same.

In order to work legally on gas appliances, everyone needs to:

• undertake Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) gas training and pass the assessments.
• demonstrate an appropriate level of practical work by completing and on-site portfolio of gas work, supervised by a qualified engineer or mentor.
• obtain a CCN1 qualification in core gas safety
• register with Gas Safe Register

I’ve no experience of working with gas, so what training do I need?

Originally aimed at young learners (16+) but now available to a wider age range, gas apprenticeships are a good option, with a focus on practical learning and the potential to earn whilst you learn. There are three levels of apprenticeship available, which typically take between one and four years:

• Intermediate level apprenticeship (Level 2) – equivalent to 5 A* GCSEs
• Advanced level apprenticeship (Level 3) – equivalent to 2 A Levels
• Higher level apprenticeship (Level 4 and above) – equivalent to a foundation degree or higher

Apprenticeships are often run by the gas companies, but the Government has recently invested in a scheme to encourage smaller businesses and sole traders to take on apprentices, offering them cash incentives to help cover the cost of recruiting and help pay apprentice salaries.

What if I don’t have years to spend on a gas training course?

If you’re looking for a speedier result, training centres and colleges offer fast track options, where you can complete your ACS training in a matter of weeks.

In 2017, IGEM (Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers) re-wrote the standards for gas training to ensure that methods and results were consistent and high standards could be maintained in the training of Gas Safe engineers.

These revisions saw the introduction of a Managed Learning Programme (MLP), designed specifically for new entrants. At Logic4training, we give learners on our MLP the very best start, offering managed learning to help them gain the skills and confidence they need. In a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience working on rigs in our workshop, learners gain skills on a variety of gas appliances and heating systems.

We fully support them in working towards the ACS initial assessment and then help find a mentor to fulfill the portfolio element of the qualification, where learners work alongside a professional in real-life situations.

Candidates need to achieve the CCN1 gas safety qualification plus four appliances before they are able to join the Gas Safe Register; the final step before they can identify themselves a Gas Engineer and legally find work in the sector. Click here for information on how to apply for Gas Safe registration.

And what if I already work in the trades and want to add a gas qualification?

If you’re already working as a plumber or pipe fitters, for instance, and want to extend your range so that you can work with gas, we offer a shorter, targeted MLP – Domestic Gas Heating Installer – Experienced Trades package.

This 20-day course is for learners with at least two years’ experience in a related trade, looking to gain the necessary qualifications in order to join Gas Safe Register and work on gas appliances. You can find out more information here.

To help qualified domestic heating engineers to develop their careers, we offer upskilling qualifications to move into the commercial sector, or work with LPG, for example, as well as some useful 1 day CPD courses in areas such as Gas Safety Awareness and Gas Auditing.

To see the whole range we offer, please click here or get in touch with us.  If you want to work with gas, we’ll help you work out how to get there!

If you have any questions about how long it takes to become a gas engineer, contact us today.

Call: 0208 845 7222

Email: [email protected]