what is a gas engineer?

A gas engineer is a specialist in systems and appliances that use natural gas. These appliances can include boilers, gas ranges, gas fires, and more. Whether installing, repairing or maintaining these systems, a gas engineer uses up-to-date technical knowledge to ensure that they're running smoothly and safely. You also use your expertise to advise customers about the choices available to them. 

A gas engineer can work alone or as part of a large team. This job can take you into customers' homes, interacting directly with families, making it a good job for those who like meeting new people as part of their work. Because gas is the most common source of heating in British homes, demand for gas engineers is high.

Would working as a gas engineer suit your attention to detail and interest in technical subjects? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a gas engineer role.

gas engineer jobs
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average salary of a gas engineer

Gas engineers are well-trained specialists whose skills and knowledge are in high demand. As a result, gas engineers command competitive salaries. While the Office of National Statistics doesn't track the salaries of gas engineers specifically, they fall within the field of plumber post, heating and ventilating engineers, with a median salary of £31,695 per year. Depending on qualifications and experience, salaries can be higher: the industry body Energy and Utilities Jobs reports that qualified candidates can earn up to £44,000. 

As with many careers, compensation in a gas engineer job varies depending on location. Engineers in areas such as London earn more on average than their counterparts in areas of the country. Working hours can also affect the money you earn as a gas engineer; working weekends and evenings or answering emergency callouts means extra pay.
 

Close up - Smiling male looking away.
Close up - Smiling male looking away.
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types of gas engineer

Gas engineers aren't separated into categories, but they do specialise in different areas depending on their training. Once you've completed your training, you may choose to expand into other areas. For instance, you could study systems that use liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG. You could also study other heating systems such as heat pumps, gaining the F-Gas certification necessary to work with them. 
 

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working as a gas engineer

Interested in working as a gas engineer? Keep reading to find out more about what the job involves. 
 

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education and skills

Because of the wide range of appliances a gas engineer services and the importance of gas safety, the first step on your career path as a gas engineer is extensive training. 

  • in order to work on gas appliances, you'll need to be on the Gas Safe Register, which certifies your professional skills. You'll also have to have your work assessed as part of the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS).
  • to gain the necessary skills, you'll want to complete a training course. The details of courses vary, but they all include certification in gas safety as well as training in individual appliances and systems such as boilers, cookers or wall heaters. 
  • training can come in multiple forms. You could start by taking a college course such as a Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. This could give you the knowledge you need to apply for a trainee role, which will lead to more advanced training. Alternatively, you could apply for an apprenticeship, which will combine workplace experience with classroom training. 
  • if you have experience in a related field, you might be able to skip formal education and apply directly to a role that will lead to preparing for ACS certification.

skills and competencies

In addition to your formal training, your role as a gas engineer will make full use of your personal and organisational skills. Your work takes you into customers' homes, whether for brief tasks like carrying out a safety inspection or more involved ones like installing a new boiler. 

  • your ability to make customers feel at ease and answer their questions makes a big difference to their experience. 
  • in addition to customer service skills, you'll also need strong organisation and time management competencies. Many gas engineers work solo, and keeping to a work schedule requires careful attention, especially when you don't always know how long an individual call will take. 
  • other organisational tasks in your role include filling out paperwork and making sure that your vehicle has all the tools and equipment you need. 
  • depending on your workplace, you may need to coordinate with other engineers on your team or with a central office. 
     
smiling male looking away
smiling male looking away
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a gas engineer

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