Have you considered a career in gas engineering? This guide will tell you all about being a gas engineer and how you can qualify through apprenticeship training.
Apprentices earn a wage and gain qualifications that will improve their prospects. Doing an apprenticeship can lead to well-paid work as a gas engineer, a profession that is in demand.
Gas engineering has apprenticeships for those starting out and higher-level apprenticeships for those who wish to upskill. There are many UK companies offering apprenticeships to aspiring gas engineers.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about gas engineering apprenticeships.
Career Overview
As a gas engineer, you work with your hands in a physically demanding role. You’ll use your skills to keep homes and businesses warm and safe. Gas is the most common heating source in British homes, so there is a lot of work for gas engineers.
You’ll train to be a specialist in systems and appliances that use natural gas. Appliances include boilers, gas fires, gas ranges, and more. You’ll install, repair, and maintain these systems, perform routine safety inspections, and issue gas safety certificates. You will also learn to recognise gas leaks and how to repair them.
A gas engineer has a varied role and many different responsibilities. For example, the job can involve using expertise to advise customers on their choices. You will need to have good people skills and a desire to help.
Gas engineers work anywhere that has gas systems or appliances. You could work in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Your schedule may take you to several different locations each day.
Apprenticeship Benefits
Apprenticeships are a popular way to enter an occupation because they give you practical experience and start you off in the world of work.
Being an apprentice includes:
- Earning a wage and getting holiday and sick pay.
- Not taking out a loan.
- Working with experienced staff.
- Gaining work experience.
- Being given time off work for off-the-job training (usually 20% of your working hours).
- Earning a workplace qualification recognised by employers.
- Becoming more employable.
Some organisations offer permanent employment to apprentices on completion of an apprenticeship. Otherwise, you can apply for positions, and your qualifications and workplace experience will enhance your application. There are opportunities to move on to doing a higher level apprenticeship to further your career by gaining more skills, more workplace experience, and advanced qualifications.
Gas Network Operative Apprenticeship Level 2
Entry Requirements
- Apprentices must be 16 or over and not in full-time education.
- They must hold a full and valid driving license.
- Employers will conduct a background check with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
- You need GCSE grade C or 4 and above in English and maths, but apprentices who don’t have these qualifications can acquire functional skills at level 2 during the course.
Course Facts
- Intermediate/Level 2: equivalent standard to five GCSE passes.
- Duration: 24 months.
- Study: six hours off work a week for study (known as off-the-job training).
- Funding will pay for your apprenticeship.
As a trainee gas engineer you will improve your knowledge and skills while doing the job. You will interact with colleagues such as managers, technicians, and admin staff. Your gas engineer training will show you how to ensure a site is safe for work and the general public. You will learn to conduct risk assessments, test gas pressure, carry out repairs, remove gas meters safely, and more.
Course Delivery
If a training provider runs your course, you will have monthly meetings and six hours a week for off-the-job training. If a college delivers your apprenticeship, you will spend one day a week at college.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA takes place during the three months after apprenticeship completion, and it takes place face-to-face or remotely.
The EPA has three parts:
- Practical assessment with questioning. Apprentices will complete tasks with appliances and equipment and answer some questions afterwards.
- Interview and portfolio of evidence. There is a discussion about the apprentice’s coursework portfolio.
- Multiple choice test.
Parts 1 and 2 are graded fail, pass, merit, or distinction. The multiple choice test is graded pass or fail. Apprentices must pass all three parts of the EPA to achieve an overall pass grade.
Gas Engineering Operative Level 3
Entry Requirements
- Apprentices must be 16 or over and not in full-time education.
- They must hold a full and valid driving license.
- Employers will conduct a background check with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
- Applicants usually have 3-5 GCSE grades C or 4 and above or relevant experience.
Course Facts
- Advanced/Level 3: equivalent standard to two A Level passes.
- Duration: 18 months.
- Study: six hours off work a week for study (known as off-the-job training).
- Funding will pay for your apprenticeship.
You will improve your skills by doing the job working alongside experienced and qualified colleagues. You will learn to install, service, and repair gas appliances in domestic and non-domestic settings. Appliances can include central heating boilers, unvented hot water storage, meters, and ducted air heaters.
A gas engineer has a varied role that involves visiting numerous sites daily. You will be part of a team working with other gas engineers, managers, and admin staff.
By the end of the apprenticeship, gas engineers will be registered on the Gas Safe® Register as competent to work on at least four appliances.
Course Delivery
You may work with a training provider, attend monthly meetings, and have six hours a week for off-the-job training. Alternatively, you may work with a college and spend one day a week at college.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA takes place during the three months after apprenticeship completion, and it takes place face-to-face or remotely.
The EPA has two parts:
- Portfolio assessment which includes gas-safe registration, a competency test, a work log review, and an interview.
- Multiple choice test.
Grades of fail, pass, and distinction are available. The multiple choice test is graded pass or fail. Apprentices must pass both parts of the EPA to achieve an overall pass grade.
Which companies offer gas engineering apprenticeships?
British Gas
British Gas is the UK’s leading energy supplier and has been running for over 200 years. The company employs more than 9000 engineers and technicians, and much of its recruitment is through apprenticeships. Their gas engineering apprenticeship is called Apprentice Smart Engineer.
Sanctuary Group
Sanctuary is a not-for-profit housing and care provider. They provide repair and maintenance services for an extensive number of properties. They have an award-winning apprenticeship scheme that includes level 3 gas engineering.
Toshiba Europe
Toshiba have developed many new technologies, such as air conditioning and commercial heating solutions. They offer a level 3 apprenticeship in gas engineering, which teaches apprentices how to work with domestic boilers, gas water heaters, unvented hot water cylinders, and more.
SGN
SGN manages the network that distributes natural and green gas to about six million homes in Scotland and southern England. SGN offer four apprenticeships in gas engineering: pressure control, pipeline, electrical and instrumentation, and multi-skilled depot.
Starting your career
Apprenticeship training can allow you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a gas engineer. You can learn the job while in paid work and enter a profession that is in demand. Many UK companies offer apprenticeships in this field. Apprentices can get the experience and qualifications employers require, which are everything you need to start a promising career.
If you are interested in becoming a gas engineer, start making your apprenticeship application now!
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