Are you thinking about starting an apprenticeship but unsure what’s involved?
It can be hard to navigate the world of apprenticeships with so many trades and skills to specialise in but we’re here to lend a helping hand. We want to help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing an apprenticeship, so you know it’s the right path for you.
Demand for gas engineers is always extremely high. With work being a constant, this trade sector is usually fast paced but rewarding, and no two days are ever the same.
If you’re trying to make the tough decision between an apprenticeship and university, follow this handy guide which could help you make the choice. If you’re interested in understanding more, follow this fact finder guide to help you identify whether a gas engineer apprenticeship is what you’ve been looking for.
Where can you apply for an apprenticeship in Nottingham?
Our Apprenticeship Academy is ideally based in Nottingham, one of the best places to begin your journey. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert training, it’s the perfect provider to help you throughout the process.
Take it from one of our apprentices, Anthony Tomey, who received his Level 3 Diploma in Gas Engineering with us.
Anthony said: “The apprenticeship course combines classroom and practical learning as well as giving you the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience – I think being able to have a go at something for yourself is the best way to learn.”
“You’ve got everything you need here to learn and progress throughout your course.”
How long does the apprenticeship last?
There’s no doubt you’ll want to know how long an apprenticeship lasts before you’re qualified to be set free in the world of gas engineering. Courses can vary with different training providers but there is a general timeline they follow.
Your time will be split between on-the-job training, getting hands on with real jobs, alongside spending time learning the necessary skills with a specialised training provider.
The time to complete the course on average is 18 months. After that, you’ll be able to take your tools on the road.
We’ve created a useful example of a apprenticeship qualification flowchart which will help you understand the timeline from apprentice to fully qualified.
What qualification will I gain on completion of my apprenticeship?
We all love having a shiny certificate to show at the end of our learning so why would this be any different?
Due to the nature of a gas engineering apprenticeship, there are many different certifications available, some of which are mandatory to be fully qualified in the field.
You will typically qualify with a Level 3 Gas Diploma which will open a lot of doors in the trades sector.
Some of the core qualifications which can be received are:
- Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1)
- Combustion Performance Analysis (CPA1)
- Domestic Gas Central Heating, Boilers, and Water Heaters (CENWAT)
- Domestic Gas Cookers (CKR1)
- Domestic Gas Fires and Wall Heaters (HTR1)
Arguably, there are two important qualifications you will need to get under your belt at the end of any gas engineering course. Ensuring you are on the Gas Safe Register (this is a legal requirement so make sure you stay on the right side of the law!) and completion of your ACS.
Training to be a gas engineer can be extremely rewarding and there is always the demand for work so it’s a no brainer!
How much will I be paid during the apprenticeship?
Obtaining the qualification is the goal but knowing how much cash flow you can expect whilst on the journey is always useful!
The current national minimum wage for an apprenticeship of any age is £4.30.
If you’re aged 19 or over and have completed your first year, you’re entitled to the national minimum wage. As of late 2021, this is as below, but do check the link above as it can and does change when the government makes any announcements:
- 18 to 20-year-olds: £6.56 per hour
- 21 to 22-year-olds: £8.36 per hour
- 23-year-olds and older: £8.91 per hour
Earning while learning is massive bonus, it’s satisfying to know you’re receiving income for the hands-on work you’re doing.
How much time will be spent on-the-job vs. training?
Apprenticeship courses are here to support you whilst you find your way with on-the-job training.
At least 20 per cent of your apprenticeship will be spent training with your provider, this typically works out as one day a week off-the-job. This can vary from employer and training provider, but this is the general rule most follow.
It’s important to spend most of your time getting stuck into the real-world opportunities, working with an employer to see how they function daily, with the added support of ‘classroom’ studies.
See what our apprentice Anthony Tomey had to say about his Level 3 Diploma in Gas Engineering, training at our Apprenticeship Academy.
What will the training involve?
Again, depending on your training provider and the needs of your employer, the training can vary.
At our Apprenticeship Academy in Nottingham, we have a general structure our Gas Engineering courses follow. From understanding gas safety to installing domestic gas water heaters, the week-to-week schedule is diverse to keep you engaged and wanting to know more!
What on-the-job training will there be?
Each employer will differ on how they would like to train you on-the-job, but you can expect a lot of hands-on experience to get stuck into.
Expectations of tasks could be:
- Installing new appliances and removing old appliances
- Carrying out quality and safety checks on appliances and ordering new parts if necessary
- Assessing gas leaks, identifying the problem, how to solve it and explaining this to clients
- Communicating effectively with clients and talking them through the process
- Reporting is an important part of the job to track jobs done throughout the day
- Understanding appliances and spot checking for issues
There could be other tasks your employer asks you to carry out depending on how they operate but you should be exposed to a wide range of skills to learn.
What can I do after I finish my apprenticeship?
Becoming a qualified gas engineer opens lots of doors to progress further in the field. Within the current company you conducted you’re training, there may be the opportunity to move up seniority levels so you can work your way up the ranks.
You may even be able to access further qualification to specialise and hone your already acquired skills if this is a route you’d like to explore.
Or if you’re ready to take the leap, you could decide to go solo and begin your own business. The choices are endless!
How much do qualified gas engineers earn?
Hold on to your tool belt, you’ll be blown away by the potential earnings of a gas engineer!
During your apprenticeship, you will be earning the typical national minimum apprentice wage but once your qualified, you can expect to see this double.
Fresh out of training, as a newly qualified gas engineer, you could expect your average annual salary to be more than £30,000. This can drastically increase with the more work you take on and the more experience you get behind you with some earning up to £60,000 a year!
We can all see pound signs in our eyes at that kind of money and that’s just a taste of what you could expect if you followed the path of a gas engineer.
So, think you’re ready to apply for a gas apprenticeship in Nottingham?
If you’re thinking you’re ready to take on an apprenticeship in gas engineering, we’re on hand to help you take that first step.
Get in touch with us at the Apprenticeship Academy by calling 0115 697 7177 to speak to one of our friendly, experienced colleagues. They’re here to help you with any questions.
We look forward to welcoming you on board!