Working as a gas engineer is one of the best and most sought-after careers in the UK and for good reason. The average salary is high, the work is diverse and exciting and the demand for fully qualified gasfitters is expected to continue to rise in the years to come. Gasfitters work on a range of appliances including gas fireplaces, commercial appliances, gas appliances, central heating boilers and much more.
Phil from Gastec Training said “Due to the nature of commercial gas work, comprehensive training is necessary to ensure that all the professionals working in the field are properly qualified. To work legally and safely, proof of industry qualifications is required when working in the UK.”
What Steps Are Necessary to Become a Commercial Gasfitter?
There is a multi-step process to becoming a commercial gasfitter in the UK, the beginning of which starts with either beginning an apprenticeship through a traditional apprenticeship scheme or by taking a fast-track managed learning programme (MLP).
Next, get your ACS. The Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) is “the industry recognized and accepted route for operatives to gain a certificate of competence, needed to become a member of the Gas Safe Register”.
Industry qualifications are also needed to become enrolled in the Gas Safe Register. What are these courses and qualifications?
Qualifications Necessary to Become a Commercial Gasfitter in the UK
There are many options for certifications when you decide to pursue a career in gas fitting but there are several basic certifications that you must have to begin your journey. The domestic gas qualifications are:
- Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1)
- Domestic Gas Central Heating, Boilers, and Water Heaters (CENWAT)
- Domestic Gas Cookers (CKR1)
- Domestic Gas Fires and Wall Heaters (HTR1)
- Combustion Performance Analysis (CPA1)
For commercial gasfitting, there are specific courses that you need to complete to be able to do your work safely, effectively, and legally.There is also LPG (liquified petroleum gas), which has its own unique set of qualifications, beginning with the CONGLP1PD which allows gas fitters to work on permanent dwellings powered by LPG. Other qualifications for LPG include:
- CONGLP1 LAV– Leisure Accommodation Vehicles
- CONGLP1 RPH– Residential Park Homes
- CONGLP1 B– Boats & Yachts
- CONGLP1 HTRLP2 – Closed Flue Gas Fires
- COCN1– Core Commercial Gas Safety Course
- CODNCO1– Changeover from Domestic to Commercial
- ICPN1– Installation First Fix on Commercial Pipework
- CIGA1– Indirect Fired Commercial Appliances
- CDGA1– Direct Fired Commercial Appliances
- CORT1– Overhead Radiant Tube & Radiant Plaque Heaters
- TPCP1a– Tightness Testing & Direct Purging of Pipework not exceeding 1m³ in volume or 6″ in diameter
- CGFE1– Gas-Fuelled Engines Course
- BMP1– Gas Boosters (Formerly CBHP1)
- MET4– Diaphragm Gas Meter Course
- ICAE1– Installation of commercial appliances
- TPCP1– Testing and Direct Purging of Commercial Pipework Exceeding 1m3 in volume
- CCP1– Commissioning Indirect Gas-Fired Plant and Equipment
- CBHP1– Gas Boosters and Compressors
- CGFE1– Gas Fuelled Engines
- CLE1– Commercial Laundry Equipment
Not all these courses are necessary to become Gas Safe Registered. To become part of the Gas Safe Register, you must complete either an MLP or receive an NVQ (national vocation qualification) through apprenticeship, as well as complete an ACS for your specific field. Your ACS is a core gas safety element, as well as training and assessment for the appropriate courses for your chosen field (commercial, domestic gas, etc.) When these are complete, you will be able to join the Gas Safe Register and work as a commercial gasfitter.
Commercial Gasfitting
Whether you are working with natural gas and working on heating systems or with LPG, qualifying as a gasfitter in the UK will open countless career opportunities for you. Make sure to find the right training and pass the required qualifications for a rewarding career in the trades.