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 jobsaverage 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.
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.
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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gas engineer job description
If you enjoy a varied job, a career as a gas engineer, with its many different responsibilities, can provide you with the variety you enjoy. Because so many UK homes contain gas heating systems, dealing with them takes up most of your time. You install, maintain and repair gas boilers, perform routine safety inspections and issue gas safety certificates. Other jobs for a gas engineer include installing and maintaining other gas appliances such as cookers, gas fires, hot water cylinders and more. Anything that uses gas in a home or business falls within your purview.
In addition to scheduled maintenance, you also help customers troubleshoot their gas heating systems. You need to be able to recognise the signs of a gas leak and know how to repair it. Customers don't always know the nature of the problem they're experiencing and rely on you to identify and solve it. This is where your people skills and desire to help will be essential, as you provide not only efficient service but important reassurance to your customers. A reassuring presence can be as important as technical knowledge.
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work environment
As a gas engineer, you work anywhere that there are gas systems or appliances for you to work on. This often means working in homes, but includes businesses and other buildings as well. Your schedule takes you to several different locations on a given day. Travel is an important part of the job, although you rarely travel overnight. Working on gas systems requires you to be comfortable working safely in cramped, dark spaces. Some gas engineers work out of a central office, while others are completely mobile.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include installation technicians, gas mains layers and heating and ventilation technicians. You might also be working in close proximity to receptionists and office administrators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, plumbers, electricians and masons.
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work schedule
As a gas engineer, you have a variable work schedule. Some jobs, such as installation or routine inspections, usually occur during normal working hours. However, on-call engineers have to be ready to respond to an emergency callout that could come at any time. As a result, some gas engineers work in the evening or on weekends. Because of the varied work schedules of gas engineers, you can find the work hours that best suit your personal schedule.
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job outlook
As you gain experience and master new technologies, you'll advance in your career as a gas engineer. You could use your knowledge of the trade to become a manager, supervise a team of engineers, or pass your skills on to future gas engineers as a lecturer. As demand for green heating grows, you can move into a related field as a renewable energy engineer. If you're interested in moving into another skilled trade, some of your knowledge of home infrastructure and ductwork could transfer to a career as a plumber or electrician.
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advantages of finding a gas engineer job through randstad
Finding your gas engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a gas engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
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.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a gas engineer
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what does a gas engineer do?
A gas engineer installs, maintains, and repairs gas systems and appliances. For instance, an engineer might install a new gas oven, inspect a boiler to ensure safety, or repair a damaged gas fire.
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is it easy to become a gas engineer?
Becoming a gas engineer means mastering technical details and safety procedures for a range of systems and appliances. Gaining the necessary qualifications can be time-consuming, but the training pays off in the long run.
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is a gas engineer a plumber?
Gas engineers frequently work for the same companies and plumbers, and use some of the same skills. However, the two trades are different jobs.
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is being a gas engineer worth it?
Being a gas engineer is a very rewarding profession. Your day-to-day work helps people stay safe, warm, and well-fed. In addition, a gas engineer's skills command very competitive rates of pay.
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what do gas engineers earn?
Gas engineer pay varies depending on demand and experience. The median salary in the field is over £31,000 per year, but experienced gas engineers in some areas can earn much more.
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how do I apply for a gas engineer vacancy?
Applying for a gas engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
