FAQs

Interested in becoming a Gas Engineer but unsure if it’s for you or what’s even about?

You’re in the right place. That’s because we’ve pulled together all of the most commonly asked questions about the world of gas engineering and answered them right here.

• What does a Gas Engineer do?
• Why become a Gas Engineer?
• How do you become a Gas Engineer?
• How much does it cost to become a Gas Engineer?
• What are the best Gas Engineer courses?
• Is being a Gas Engineer a good job?
• How much does a Gas Engineer make?
• What tools does a Gas Engineer need?
• What qualifications does a Gas Engineer need?
• What is the difference between a Plumber and a Gas Engineer?
• How do I become Gas Safe registered?
• Are Gas Engineers key workers?

• I have another question about Gas Engineers – what should I do?

What does a Gas Engineer do? 

In a nutshell, a Gas Engineer installs, services, maintains and repairs gas appliances. 

That can include: 

• Installing or repairing appliances to deliver gas
• Maintaining or replacing faulty systems
• Cutting, bending, and joining pipes and fittings
• Carrying out tests and checks for gas leaks
• Ensuring all repairs and installations are up to code and that all safety requirements are properly met. 

All of this means that Gas Engineers spend a lot of time in homes and businesses, solving gas- and heating-related problems that aren’t always straightforward. 

But that’s a very surface-level view of it. Gas Engineers literally mend people’s lives, reviving a lifeless boiler or reigniting a cold oven. There’s no such thing as ‘just another job’ when you’re a Gas Engineer – because behind every callout, there’s a home and a human who can’t live without your skills. 

Why become a Gas Engineer? 

Genuine job security
As long as UK homes and businesses depend on gas boilers, gas ovens, and gas fires, there will be a need for Gas Engineers.

Flexible working hours
You’ll enjoy a lot more freedom than the typical 9-to-5 job.

A salary that grows with experience
The starting salary for a Gas Engineer is well above the UK average, and that’ll only increase with more experience.

Every day is different
Gas Engineers are rarely stuck in one place, so you’ll meet new people, see new places, and tackle different projects each day.

You may already have the right skills
If you’re a solid, organised problem solver who can pick things up quickly and adapt well to new situations, then you’ve got the right ingredients to become a great Gas Engineer.

Rewarding sense of achievement
You’ll be providing real value, overcoming different challenges, and developing new useful skills, physically and mentally. 

How do you become a Gas Engineer? 

You’ll need a CCN1 certificate, a CKR1 certificate, and a full UK driving licence. 

There are two routes to become a trained and legal Gas Engineer: 

• a traditional apprenticeship, 
• or a modern-day fast track managed learning programme, which can have you trained in just six months in some cases.

If you opted for the apprenticeship, you would need at least four GCSEs, graded A* to C, including English and Maths – and it’d help if the other two were in related subjects, such as Engineering, Science, or Design and Technology.

Find out more about Gas Engineer apprenticeships at UCAS or Gov.uk.

How much does it cost to become a Gas Engineer?

The cost of training to become a Gas Engineer depends on which course you take and how familiar you are with the sector. 

Courses start from £35 a week and for those starting from scratch, a 40-day course can cost around £5,000. Meanwhile, those who have at least two years in a related trade under their belt will be more familiar with the basics and can complete a 20-day course, costing around £3,500. 

Because everyone will have different skills and experience, it’s impossible to say ‘becoming a Gas Engineer costs this much’, so you should take those numbers with a pinch of salt. 

What are the best Gas Engineer courses?

Training courses for Gas Engineers vary in what they offer – but some of the courses that can get you started on your new career path include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Heating and Ventilation Studies
• Level 2 Certificate in Plumbing and Heating
• Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Diploma in Heating and Ventilating

Is being a Gas Engineer a good job? 

Yes, as long as you possess the right qualities. Gas engineering is a hugely rewarding and in-demand trade, so people will always be glad to see you.

As long as you’re sociable, adaptable, and love the idea that no two days will be the same, then you’ll love being a Gas Engineer. 

How much does a Gas Engineer make? 

According to Indeed as of January 2022, the average base salary for a Gas Engineer is £35,500 per year in England – well above the national average of £25,844.

What tools does a Gas Engineer need? 

A Gas Engineer’s toolbox needs to be well-stocked, containing everything from a humble radiator key and a blowtorch.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but any good Gas Engineer will carry the following: Adjustable spanners, Allen keys, blowtorch, gas metre box key, hacksaw, jointing putty, pipe bender, pipe cutters, pipe wrench, pressure tester, radiator key, slip joining pliers, spirit level, stop cock key, and a torch. 

What qualifications does a Gas Engineer need? 

Before you can start working as a Gas Engineer, you need to pass your ACS gas qualification and be on the Gas Safe register.

In terms of the qualification, this isn’t everything but any of the following would be suitable: 

• Level 3 (NVQ) in Domestic Natural Gas Installation and Maintenance
• Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation
• Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)
• Gas Industry Apprenticeship

What is the difference between a Plumber and a Gas Engineer? 

A Gas Engineer deals with gas boilers, gas ovens, gas fires, while a Plumber works on water appliances, such as taps, toilets, sinks.

It is possible for a Plumber to be Gas Safe registered, which is probably where the confusion comes from. Even then, a Plumber may only be able to work on certain gas appliances lawfully. 

How do I become Gas Safe registered? 

Anyone working on gas in the UK is legally required to be registered with Gas Safe Register. You can apply online via the Gas Safe Register website. A new application costs £347 + VAT and it usually takes around a week to come through.

Are Gas Engineers key workers? 

Yes. The UK Government granted ‘key worker’ status to gas workers in March 2020 after it recognised the gas sector as essential to securing the ongoing supply of energy to the nation.