Working with a Gas Engineer

New Entrant Gas Procedures (Category 3 Candidates)

If you have already read our New Entrant Gas Training page, you will understand that following 3 weeks (or equivalent weekends) of comprehensive gas training that there is also a need to work alongside a Gas Safe registered Engineer to build a portfolio of ‘on the job' evidence.

This is a requirement for all new entrants to the industry so that your competence in real life situations can be verified.

Portfolio / On-the-job evidence gathering for Able Skills students

Following completion of your Gas training, exams and assessments you will achieve Able Skills Managed Learning Programme Gas Certificate and be deemed competent to undertake gas work under supervision, evidence of which needs to be recorded in the portfolio which you will be provided with.

As you come towards the end of your training, you will be given comprehensive guidance on exactly how the evidence for the portfolio should be gathered and certified by a Gas Safe registered Engineer.

To help you further, we have put together a portfolio matrix to ensure that you fully understand exactly what is required for every gas appliance you undertake work on.

Portfolio completion is probably the most important part of your gas training as it determines your competence in real life situations.

It tests your ability to work under pressured circumstances, your ability to ensure safety in every situation and most importantly of all, it provides you with the opportunity to work alongside an experienced Gas Engineer where you will learn much more than you can ever have imagined.

At Able Skills we encourage all new entrant gas trainees to find their own work placement as this will save you money, provide you with geographical familiarity and more than likely let you dictate the pace of portfolio completion.

However, if you are finding the whole process completely impossible, Able Skills can place you with Gas Safe registered Engineers who are employed by our sister company, Able On-Time Services.

These Engineers have all previously been students of Able Skills and have gone through all of the gas training and assessment processes that you have completed or are facing. They know what Able Skills Gas Assessors expect from a portfolio so there really are no better Mentors to have.

Portfolio / On-the-job evidence gathering for non-Able Skills students

If you have undertaken training at a different training establishment and cannot meet the demands of finding a Gas Safe registered Engineer to work with, Able Skills will still be in a position to help.

We would need you to provide a certificate which confirms that you have received training elsewhere and if you take up our offer of a portfolio placement, we would also look to you to confirm that once this is complete, you will book your ACS with us also. If you feel that you can make this kind of commitment, please give us a call to discuss moving forward with this.

Portfolio Placement and Completion - The right way

We understand the importance of continued development; you don't become a competent Gas Engineer overnight. Training is ongoing whether you are at Able Skills amongst our team of instructors or whether you are serving a form of apprenticeship alongside a competent Gas Engineer.

To help you achieve the portfolio aspect of the process to becoming Gas Safe registered, Able Skills now has a sister company, Able On-Time Services where we employ Gas Safe registered Engineers to undertake Gas work as standard but who also take students for the purposes of Portfolio completion.

All of the Gas Engineers employed by Able On-Time Services are all ex-Able Skills students. They have all been through the gas training and assessment process so their guidance is invaluable.

In addition to this, we have spent a great deal of time putting together an alliance of Gas Engineers for you to serve your ‘apprenticeship' with.

We did this by trawling through our data base of past students, having meetings with them to discuss the right way forward and from that, have picked the best Companies we could find, all of whom have had dealings with or training at Able Skills.

Using all of the above companies for the purpose of portfolio building ensures that the evidence you generate for your portfolio has been obtained in the correct and legal manner and has been completed under the guidance of Engineers who we know are incredibly competent and who don't cut corners, they will act as your on-site recorders/verifiers.

Any one of our network of Gas Engineers will ensure that you cover every job required for the Portfolio and that the evidence isn't lacking in any way. They will be able to help you with the building of the portfolio and photographing the work being undertaken.

Site-Skills Training

Recently, we have added a new course to our ever growing list and this particular one concentrates on Site-Skills.

This course has been devised specifically for students undertaking a portfolio placement, particularly those of you who have had no previous experience of plumbing or gas related work. The course concentrates on

• How an open vented heating and hot water system works
• How to drain down and decommission the systems
• How to convert open vented heating systems to a sealed heating system
• How to mark out the position of a boiler using a boiler template
• How to drill a hole through masonry for the boiler flue and fix a boiler jig to a masonry wall
• How to assemble, mark out and hang radiators
• How to lift correctly, mark out and notch floor joists
• How to install both copper and plastic pipework under a suspended floor
• How to fill and vent a system of air

All of these listed skills will help you greatly whilst undertaking your portfolio placement and it will also speed up the process if you have the skills and knowledge to undertake this kind of work which will be required either pre or post installation.

If the Engineer that you are placed with considers that you are lacking in these skills, he may suggest that you interrupt the portfolio work and return to Able Skills to get the training that you need so this course is very much worth considering.

Once you have completed your portfolio you can come back to Able Skills and book your CCN1 and Appliances assessments..

If you require Able Skills to arrange a portfolio placement for you with Able On-Time Services or any one of our contacts, there will be a fee involved which will be paid to the Company you work with, this will be to make up for any time they might lose by having a trainee in attendance at the jobs they are called upon to do.

This fee will be considerably less than other Gas training Companies we have found advertising their services. Please call for details; you will be pleasantly surprised if you have done your research well!

Portfolio Completion - The wrong way

There are quite a few ‘Portfolio Completion' services available, they promise completion within a couple of weeks and some of them even advise that some portfolio evidence can be obtained within a training environment - neither of these are possible or legal and yet for the pleasure of their unprincipled ways, they will charge you anything from £2500 - £5000!

Able Skills support services

Able Skills have successfully trained many ‘new entrant' gas engineers over the past few years and we have seen them go from strength to strength running successful and reputable businesses.

The service they deliver guarantees repeat business for them and the feedback they have received from Gas Safe has been very complimentary and reflects upon the training they have received at Able Skills.

Throughout your portfolio building experience, Able Skills Gas Instructors will remain readily available to answer any questions or queries which may arise whilst you are building your evidence.

They can be contacted by email, ian@ableskills.co.uk , roy@ableskills.co.uk and simon@ableskills.co.uk or you can call (01322280202) and leave messages for them to get back to you on.

Portfolio Requirements

• Installations: Cookers, Boilers and Fires
• Servicing: Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters and Boilers
• Landlord Gas Safety Checks
• Installation Pipe Defects
• Tightness Testing
• Gas Escapes
• Purging
• Meter Regulator Settings Check
• Flue Flow Test + Spillage Tests
• Combustion Flame Pictures
• Gas Rates
• Operating Pressures at Appliances
• Ventilation Checks
• Control Faults

Your allocated gas engineer will also work with you to understand gas industry unsafe situations and how this works in every day work

Portfolio Evidence

Your Gas Safe registered Engineer will help you complete your Portfolio by taking photos, helping you with all the paperwork to ensure it is 100% correct and signing off your work with their gas safe number.

Please remember that this service is available for those of you who are unable to arrange your own Gas placement. If you can arrange a placement yourself then obviously this will be cheaper and more beneficial to you however, if your own arrangements do not work out or your Engineer cannot meet all of the requirements of the portfolio, we can help you complete and gain those missing bits.

Cost and Duration of Working with a Gas Engineer

Duration:

• Cost: £995.00 Inc VAT
• £995 Deposit payable
• Please call us for our easy installment plans.

Additional Information

Able Skills is open 7 days every week and most courses can be completed either through the week (Mon-Fri) or at weekends (Sat-Sun) – Please call for details

A deposit will secure your start date and any balance can be paid on the start date or spread over the period of your training – Interest Free!

For all workshop based training and/or assessment we recommend suitable clothing and for your safety, protective footwear is essential.

Gas commercial

by Able Skills

Paul K

I took the 3 week Domestic to Gas change over course. I heard able Able Skills through a friend.

My Tutor was one of the best since I started any form of Education, in fact, maybe he is the best. The course itself met with all my expectations and was certainly value for money. I would definitely recommend them to others looking for Construction Training,

Mathys V

I phoned several training centres for quotes for commercial Gas training and found Able Skills offered the most comprehensive course for a fair price. The office staff were very helpful and explained what the course was all about. Able Skills were willing to give me the opportunity to stop the course and restart it after I received news that a friend of mine had passed away. I felt that I was treated as a person and that the college are interested and care about their students. I give them an overall rating of excellent and would definitely attend further training with them.

Shenol H

I found Able Skills on the internet and liked the look of their centre. The staff were extremely friendly too and it was this that encouraged me to train here. Ian Welthy was an excellent teacher, I have already recommended Able Skills to friends and encourage anyone else to contact them regarding Gas training.

Kunce O

I took the Gas Managed Learning Programme. I decided to study with Able Skills because of their price and excellent recommendations. My Instructor Roy is a fantastic “Diamond Geezer”. The course far exceeded all my expectations. Roy was very detailed in his explanations, sometimes going beyond what was expected in the course manuals just so we were all clear. The course materials and practical sessions were also an excellent match. Thank you.

Phil S

Price and distance were important to me when deciding where to train for my 3 week gas course. Roy was very informative and a great teacher. I learnt what I needed and more due to his experience. I would definitely consider training with them for other courses and would recommend them to others.

Kevin A

I chose Able Skills to take my Gas Managed Learning Programme as they had excellent recommendations. I have encountered many trainers and Roy is excellent. Able Skills come highly recommended, Roy makes it easier in training because he teaches properly.

Stewart L

Able Skills offer a clean working environment. The centre is well managed, their facilities are excellent. I will be coming back for more courses and recommending them to others.

Michalis Kontos

Darren King has been a top lecturer, highly recommended!! Cheers Darren. I found Able Skills on the internet and decided to use them because of the cost and distance.

Tom Searles

I was referred to Able Skills by a family friend. They were very helpful on the phone when I called up and this prompted me to take their course. Their instructor Darren King was extremely good at breaking down stuff and making it more understandable. I had an enjoyable time and many laughs whilst training. I would definitely recommend. I am now taking my Gas Portfolio placement through them.

Denzel

I have just completed the 3 week gas safety course through Able Skills. They had the best price and best explained on the phone by John when I  initially enquired. Darren was my instructor and he was a cool guy. He explained everything clearly and concisely at a pace that everyone could keep up with. The atmosphere created by Darren, Roy and Ian was very calm and allowed for a relaxing learning environment.

Jaedoo Tae

I searched through the website after reading forums where members recommended Able Skills. The course was very informative and value for money. I will be recommending Able Skills to others.

Ramin Armani

When deciding where to take my Intermediate Gas Training, I searched the internet and found Able Skills, who were ideally located for me. I have really enjoyed the 3 weeks training with Darren. He is really good and I have learnt a lot from him. He has been very helpful throughout the whole time. I would definitely recommend Able Skills to others.

Russ Pooley

Darren, my Intermediate Gas Training Lecturer is such a nice guy. His communication is excellent. Really good course material, I would highly recommend to anyone, very enjoyable course.

Greg Mackrill

Into my third month of training at Able Skills. Once again, training could not be faulted. Very knowledgeable instructors and good working conditions along with detailed and well structured learning programmes.

Luke Prentice

I found my three week gas course to be very challenging and informative. Darren obviously knows his stuff and anything we needed to know he had all the answers. He explained things in an easy to learn way and I enjoyed training there.

Lukesh Shrestha

Course was properly laid out in sequential order. Adequate hands out was the plus point for this course. The tutor was co-operative and friendly. Overall the course run smoothly with the fulfilment of my expectation from the course.

Jamie Dickson

I was  recommended to Able Skills by my friend. Darren was a very good tutor and had a lot of time for the students. He made the information very easy to understand.

Mark Bone

I came to Able Skills as my friends gave them glowing references. Darren explained everything in great clarity. Some parts that I did not understand, Darren took me aside to give further explanation, He was extremely helpful throughout the course.

Daniel Margroth

Very good course, tons of information was provided to help. Simon explained everything, and was happy to go through it again when you didn’t understand. It was an excellent course and i would highly recommend.

Stevan Lewis

Awesomeness. This course was completed at the weekends, I would definitely recommend.

Naz Maitmog

Found on the internet, decided to use their weekend option. The course was very informative and at an easy pace.

David Nolan

Due to the excellent quality of the tutors and course plans, I have gained confidence in my skills and will continue taking able skills training courses in the future.

Lee Woodgate

I came to Able Skills because they were highly recommended and I thought they seemed to be good value for money. Roy made the course enjoyable whilst keeping things safe and informative. Excellent tutor!

Richard Harper

Great course with a vast amount of information from the instructors with brilliant knowledge. Thanks!

Kevin Mcelduff

Roy was an excellent tutor, he has vast knowledge and teaches in a friendly and understanding manor. I have really enjoyed my course and feel I have learnt about gas in a straight forward way.

William Bloomfield

Roy is an outstanding tutor and I would recommend to anybody who is thinking of doing gas.

Christopher Alavi – Gas Training Course

All the staff were very friendly, professional and helpful. Darren was a very knowledgeable tutor who inspired confidence in me as a student. He was always very professional and approachable whenever I had queries/questions/doubts about anything. He was always willing to help. Most of all, Darren made 3 weeks on a gas course enjoyable and was an absolute pleasure being tutored by him.

Tanweer Rehal – Gas Training Course

Darren helped me throughout the course to understand important factors of gas training and found facilities to be very good.

Timmy Vowles – Gas Training Course

I found Able Skills on the internet. I had considered other centres but I choose Able Skills because they had the best feedback. I choose Able Skills because they had the best facilities out of all the centres that I looked at and that they didn’t have pushy sales people they just helped me decide what my best option was. Ian and Daren were very good tutors and they helped me where ever possible. The accommodation was amazing for the price. At Able Skills they have amazing facilities; my overall experience at Able Skills was excellent.

Mani Rai – Gas Training Course

I heard about Able Skills though friends and a solider magazine. I did consider a training company in the midlands where my friends go but I choose Able Skills because they had a higher exam pass rate, and the training is very good.

Roy Douglas–Gas Training Course

i heard about Able Skills from family members that have trained with Able Skills but also because I have done a course with Able Skills before. Therefore I didn’t consider training anywhere else. At Able Skills they are good value for money and the tutors are very supportive and help whenever they can.

Matthew Abuwa– Gas Training Course

I found out about Able Skills on the internet .I had consider another training company but chose Able Skills because the courses looked better and let me spread my payments out instead of making me pay for the course all up front. The tutors at Able Skills were brilliant and excellent training.

Kenneth Jeffery – Gas Training Course

Even though I had considered other training company’s, Able Skills sounded better and friendlier. It was a very enjoyable course both Ian and Darren really helped me and i enjoyed the fact that i had two tutors because they both gave different options which really helped me. I had a great time at Able Skills.

Tom Davey– Gas Training Course

I all ready knew about Able Skills though word and mouth and I also looked on the internet to find out more information, didn’t think to go anywhere else because my friend did a course with Able Skills and said that it was really good. I was given a folder at the beginning of the course and they were very clear and helpful, they were easy to interpret better than a book and they still had all the relevant information. Both of my tutors were excellent and i liked that they gave me two different views

Michael Townsend– Gas Training Course

I knew about Able Skills because i had done a course here before. Able Skills are value for money and tutors are really good and the training is amazing.

M Oliver:

“I have already done my level 2 plumbing and Part P with Able, all at weekends. I found the gas course intense over the time allocated but my overall knowledge of gas has increased and I am looking forward to putting into practice what Roy has drummed into us.”

P Daniels:

“Able Skills was recommended by a friend. The location, price and the general environment for learning suited me perfectly. Roy and all of the staff were very helpful and accommodating. I’m grateful for my time spent here”

R Ali:

“I looked and visited other centres and Able Skills were the only ones who didn’t keep calling and chasing me to book so because you weren’t pushy, I decided to book. Throughout the course, Roy was a very helpful teacher and the facilities catered for all subjects covered – Thanks”

G Carslake:

“After visiting Able Skills to see the centre I was happy to book with you. I like your set up and weekend training has been ideal, exactly what I needed”

S Knight:

“I chose Able Skills because of their location and availability of weekend courses as I work full time”

A Eardley:

“I chose Able Skills as it is very important for me to be able to train at weekends – I have also done a C&G 6129 (Plumbing) course here as well”

R Gonzalez:

“Able Skills was recommended to me by a friend. I have done a Plumbing 6129 here as well and was happy to continue with you to do my gas training”

F Alaraj:

“Able Skills was recommended by a friend. I struggled at times with the technical terminology but Able Skills helped me to get through this”

E Reshiti:

“Excellent teaching skills from Roy and the availability of weekend training was perfect for me”

W and K Sulinski:

“We found Able Skills on-line and the fact that we could train at weekends was exactly what we needed”

Gary Musto – New Entrant Gas Course

Simon was a very good teacher and had excellent knowledge and patients.  I choose to study at Able Skills due to the proximity to where I live.