Why choose a career in gas?

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If you’re looking for a new and exciting career, the gas industry has much to offer. Whether it’s working for a company, becoming self-employed, or starting your own business, the opportunities are endless.

Here are five reasons to choose a career in gas:

1) There’s something for everyone

From domestic jobs to huge commercial projects, gas fitters can pick from a diverse range of projects. The Level 3 Gas Diploma opens up many doors. From working with gas within peoples’ homes to studying a degree in Oil and Gas Management.

Find out more about the range of jobs currently available:

Gas Jobs available in the UK now: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/search?q=gas
Gas service technician job description at National Careers Service: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advic...

2) You’ll earn a competitive salary

Your salary will depend on your experience level. The average starting salary for a gas engineer is £25,000, going up to in excess of £40,000 with experience. If you choose to run your own business, these figures could significantly increase.

3) You’ll be in demand

The legal requirements for ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineers mean your skills will always be in high demand. A career in gas is a secure profession, ideal if you’re looking for long-term stability. Plus, as your skills strengthen over time, so do your career prospects. Working in gas can be a career for a lifetime.

4) You’ll find it challenging

You’ll never get bored as a gas engineer. It’s challenging, both mentally and physically. This means your math abilities, manual skills, patience and ability to communicate with your clients will grow and develop every day.

5) It’s a flexible career

Working in gas means no two days are ever the same. You’ll be out and about attending appointments, not chained to the same desk every day, seven days a week. Plus, you can set your own schedule giving you real freedom and flexibility.

Which course is right for me?

Still not sure if a career in gas is right for you?

Please visit the National Careers Service website where you can access the following information and services:

Explore careers – You can explore up to 800 different careers to see if they fit in with your current skills and preferences.
Skills assessment – You can carry out a skills heath check to identify any gaps and choose from a variety of free online training courses to strengthen and enhance existing skills as well as developing new skills.
Find a course - Look for online learning opportunities and training courses local to you.
Careers advice – You can speak to one of their career advisers on 0800 100 900 who can advise you on making career choices, applying for jobs as well as progressing your career.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

There’s plenty of work for gas engineers. There is more work available than people.

Aftab Khan
- Self-employed gas engineer

A TYPICAL JOB PROFILE

GAS SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Gas Service Technicians install, service and rectify faults on a range of domestic gas appliances. They work domestically within peoples’ homes and therefore require a polite and friendly manner. If you are a practical minded person who enjoys a varied role then this could be an ideal choice. You will need to work well with your hands and be good at solving problems.

SALARY

Salaries typically start at £25,000. Experienced Gas Service Technicians can expect between £30,000-£40,000.

HOURS

35-40 hours per week

WORK ACTIVITIES

Installing/servicing a range of gas appliances such as boilers, cookers, gas fires
Repair faults on a range of appliances
Order new parts
Carry out Gas Safety Checks in peoples premises
Complete and maintain records of work
Advise customers on issues such as energy and efficiency

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To fully qualify as a Gas Service Technician you will need:

An industry recognised qualification such as the Level 3 Gas Diploma
Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) certificates for the appliances chosen to work on if not covered under the Diploma.

Skilled tradesmen are amongst the most in-demand workers in the UK, as concerns about a shortage of experienced staff in the construction sector continue to grow.

The domestic gas industry has seen a big decline in the number of qualified gas engineers over the last couple of decades. The number of engineers retiring from the gas industry is not being met with the number of new entrants into the gas industry, which has resulted in a gap which needs to be filled.

The demand for staff in UK construction demonstrates that the country is rising out of recession, but without more skilled tradesmen such as gas engineers we are unable to build the new homes and infrastructure that this country desperately needs.

Barrett-Bell Co-founder
Natalie Barrett-Bell

MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE A CAREER IN GAS

The ongoing skills shortage within construction means gas engineers have never been more in demand.

With fewer places able to offer gas qualifications for new entrants this is unlikely to change anytime soon. If that isn’t enough to convince you, here are some more facts:

With the passing of the fracking bill in the UK, it is predicted that there is at least another 150 years of natural gas in our country. That means at least another 150 years of work for gas engineers.
The government’s target to replace all domestic gas meters in the UK with SMART meters has resulted in a huge shortfall of smart meter engineers.
There are usually many gas jobs advertised on the government’s Universal Job Match. Visit https://www.gov.uk/jobsearch and enter your postcode to see how many there are in your area.
Want to work for yourself? You’re not alone. Many of our students go on to become self-employed or start their own companies.
Due to the demand for gas engineers the government is willing to fund your level 3 Gas Diploma, so you can become Gas Safe Registered to meet the UK’s legal requirements and safe practice.

There’s never been a better time to become a gas engineer.