Gas service technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• assessment of experience by a professional body

Entry requirements:

College

You could start with a college course, for example:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

These would teach you some of the skills you'll need to apply for a trainee position with a company.

To fully qualify as a gas service technician, you'll need a recognised gas industry qualification, for example a Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance.

You will usually need to be working to complete the level 3 qualification.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can train to become a service technician by doing a gas engineering operative advanced apprenticeship.

This will usually take 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You may be able to have your experience and skills assessed through the Accredited Certification Scheme to get a recognised competency certificate.

This assessment is aimed at experienced engineers who work in related industries, like plumbing or heating and ventilation.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• practical skills for installing equipment
• problem-solving skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of building and construction
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of physics
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Gas service technicians install, service and repair gas appliances and heating systems.

As a gas service technician, you will:

• install gas appliances and heating systems
• carry out planned maintenance checks on systems and equipment
• test controls and safety devices to make sure they work properly
• respond to emergencies
• find and repair gas leaks, using computerised fault-finding equipment
• replace or repair faulty or old parts
• complete work records
• advise customers on gas safety and energy efficiency

Location : You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height and cramped.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• move into supervisory and management roles, with responsibility for a team of engineers
• set up your own gas fitting business
• do further training to become a heat pump engineer , working on alternative energy heating systems