As we begin our journey into the New Year, many people feel that they would like to achieve more in their life, such as a new career or even just further their skills. Or you could even be stuck in a 9-5 job that you hate and wish that you could do something about. So many people think about starting a brand new career, but are too scared to take that plunge and re-train in something totally different.
It’s never too late to do something with your life and make a difference. Training as a gas engineer could be just what you need. Here at Barrett-Bell, we have students from all different ages and backgrounds, wanting to retrain as a gas engineer in order to improve their lives. Qualified gas engineers are in high-demand, as there simply aren’t enough skilled engineers out there to fill positions in this trade.
For those of you who are ready to take that leap and proceed with your new year’s resolution, then now is the perfect time to kick start your career and take action in your life by becoming a registered gas safe engineer.
Is it right for me?
The role of a gas engineer is to install, maintain, test and service all gas appliances in businesses and homes. Working as a qualified engineer can be physically demanding but also mentally rewarding. As it’s a very physical profession you should be prepared for lots of manual work. As a gas engineer you will normally be working with appliances such as cookers, gas heaters, central heating boilers etc.
This is a skilled trade, so you will also need to have extremely advanced technical abilities, good mathematical skills and be a good communicator. There will always be something new to learn in this trade, so no two days will ever be the same.
Opportunities
As a qualified gas engineer the job opportunities are endless:
- Be self-employed as a gas engineer
- Work for a company as an installation and maintenance engineer
- Work in a supervisory or management role
- Start your own gas installation and maintenance company
- Become a lecturer and/or assessor for gas qualifications
Typical responsibilities for a Gas Engineer include:
- Installation or repairing gas appliances
- Maintenance or replacement of faulty systems
- Certifying that all safety requirements are appropriately met
- Attending to emergency gas leaks
- Laying, cutting and joining of pipes
- Connecting businesses and homes to the gas network
- Digging holes with mechanical equipment or by hand
- Inspection for gas leaks, carrying out tests and insuring all installations and repairs are up to scratch
- Pricing jobs for customers
- Liaising with customers and answering any queries they may have and advise them on how best to use their gas appliances
Hours & Salary
Normal working hours are usually 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday; however you may be required to provide emergency cover, which is normally rewarded with profitable bonuses.
As a qualified engineer you can expect to earn over £30,000 a year.
Qualifications
To become qualified as a gas engineer, you will need relevant qualifications. Barrett-Bell specialise in delivering a full and varied range of Gas Installation and Maintenance courses, which meet the industry requirements for Gas Safe Registration for beginners, as well as experienced engineers within the gas industry to provide them with knowledge, skills and experience necessary for a constructive career within the gas industry. This is a licence to practice and will enable you to be on the Gas Safe Register and work in the UK, Isle of Man and Guernsey.
Contact
If you are considering becoming a Gas engineer in 2018 with Barrett-Bell, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to see what we have to offer. We have training centres in Watford and Stevenage.
Call 01923 253 866 for course details and bookings, where our qualified staff look forward to hearing from you.
