Starting A Career in Gas Engineering [infographic]

A career as a gas engineer can be a great choice, but how do you know if such an apprenticeship / career is right for you? We take a look at what qualities the ideal gas engineer would have, and what kind of tasks you can expect to undertake in your day to day work. 

What is a Gas Safe Engineer?

A Gas Safe plumber, formerly known as a Corgi Registered plumber, are qualified to work on gas systems, such as gas powered boilers. There are different qualifications that allow people to work on different things – someone who is qualified to work on a boiler may not be qualified to work on a gas fireplace, for example. Before proceeding with their qualifications, applicants can choose which area they’d like to specialise in and what appliances they’d like to work on.

A Gas Safe plumber is required to carry Gas Safe Register ID card at all times, to prove their accreditation and authenticity. This card also shows their unique licence number and what appliances they are qualified to work on.

Key Skills

As a gas engineer, you will be someone who is good at problem solving, as well as having skills in maths and science. As the job requires a lot of practical work, often with meticulous care required, you will need to be able to maintain a high level of concentration at all times.

Tasks

A gas engineer is required to carry out a wide range of jobs, varying in size and complexity. Some of these jobs include:

• Installing appliances and systems
• Planned maintenance checks on equipment, systems and appliances
• Testing controls and safety devices
• Repairing and replacing faulty parts
• Ordering new parts where necessary
• Finding and repairing gas leaks

Entry Requirements

In order to obtain full qualification, you will need:

• A recognised gas industry qualification
• Gas Safe registration (formerly CORGI registration)

Other recognised qualifications:

• Level 3 NVQ in Domestic Natural Gas Installation and Maintenance
• Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)

If your qualification doesn’t cover all relevant and required safety obligations, then you can undergo a skills and knowledge assessment by the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS). This can be done if your qualification doesn’t cover all the appliances you want to work with, you are returning to the industry after a long period away, or you are a heating or plumbing engineer in another industry.

Another option for those looking to get into the industry is starting a Gas Industry Apprenticeship. It is highly recommended that you look at apprenticeships from companies whose apprenticeships include work placements, so you have your foot in the door when it comes to finding a job on completion of your course. Most employers will require you to have at least 4 GCSEs (A*-C), including maths and English, and one relevant subject such as engineering, design and technology or science.

VHL are proud to have highly skilled and fully qualified Gas Safe engineers on our team, who are able to provide first class service for boiler installations, servicing and repairs, and much more.

For more information about a career in the heating and plumbing industry, please visit our dedicated page or get in touch with us today.