The gas industry offers one of the most diverse career paths in construction, and with the constant developments of new green technologies, it’s also one of the most exciting.
While concerns have been previously expressed about the long-term viability of the career due to the world’s shift toward natural gas alternatives, the expertise of gas engineers is set to be just as crucial as ever, albeit with a few tweaks to the core skill set as these new technologies become more commonplace.
So, is the career of a gas engineer still an appealing one? Below we’ve detailed a few reasons why it certainly is, and what you need to know if you are considering the industry.
High demand for workers
According to a whitepaper published by the Heating & Hot Water Industry Council, More than 50% of heating system installers are aged over 55, meaning there needs to be a big effort to attract new talent to the industry.
This is echoed by a recent study carried out by metals4u (via Registered Gas Engineer), which found that gas engineer is the fourth most in-demand job within the UK construction industry, based on the analysis of more than 141,000 active job vacancies across Indeed, Total Jobs and LinkedIn.
With this in mind, it’s likely those who possess these sought-after sills and the relevant qualifications could be in a strong position when entering the industry.
Above average earnings
According to Indeed, the current average base salary of a gas engineer working in the UK is £39,723, making it notably higher than the estimated average UK full-time salary of £33,000.
Progression opportunities
With experience, gas engineers can have opportunities to move into supervisory and management roles, being responsible for a larger team of engineers. There is also the option of setting up your own gas installation business.
Along with that, with further training, you could move into specialist areas such as being a heat pump technician and pioneering sustainable gas alternatives.
What qualifications do UK gas engineers need?
To become fully qualified, gas engineers must complete an industry qualification such as an NVQ or an MLP with an accredited training provider.
Gas engineer courses are split into three key categories, domestic, commercial or catering — each reflecting the types of environment an engineer is qualified to work in.
Once an individual has completed a gas engineer course, they will be required to compile a portfolio of gas work while under the supervision of a qualified engineer.
Before being able to join the Gas Safe Register, which is a legal requirement before working in the field, engineers must prove competence by completing an Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS). A separate ACS assessment must be completed for those planning to work in a domestic setting.
What does the future of the industry look like?
Given the government’s recent announcement of delaying the ban on gas boilers, it’s unlikely the day-to-day role of the traditional engineer will change anytime soon.
Looking further ahead, shifts towards more sustainable technologies will likely lead to new skills and training frameworks, along with new legislation being introduced. This means some level of upskilling will be required for existing engineers to ensure a safe and smooth transition, however, once this upskilling is complete, gas engineers might hold a vital role in enabling this process.
If you are interested in beginning a career in gas then our New Entrant Gas Training package covers everything you’ll need to go from complete beginner to possessing the skills and knowledge necessary for Gas Safe registration.