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What Does a Gas Boiler Engineer Do? A certified gas boiler engineer can offer expert installation repairs, maintenance and service for a variety of systems and appliances. Gas Safe registered engineers are committed to safety and quality, whether they work as independent contractors or as part of an organization. The training to become gas engineers is offered through a school, apprenticeship or the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS). Once completed, an individual may apply to be included on the Gas Safe Register. Qualifications Gas engineers install, maintain and repair gas heating equipment such as wall heaters, cookers, and boilers. They also inspect gas supply systems and look into suspected gas leaks. Gas engineers can work for themselves, or for companies that employ them. Both options can be lucrative, although being self-employed does provide more flexibility and freedom. New entrants typically start with a formal education, and then complete an on-the-job training program to build a portfolio of work experience. Gas engineers must be certified by the Accredited Certification Scheme and accepted to the Gas Safe Register after completing their training. This process continues, with periodic updates to safety regulations and technology that require re-training to ensure engineers remain up to date. There are a variety of routes to the profession with some opting for a college program followed by a trainee position and then advanced training. Some students enter the profession through an apprenticeship that provides education in the classroom as well as paid work experience. Some gas engineers begin as plumbers and then choose to take further qualifications to become an engineer for heating. This permits them to provide more specialized services. Anyone considering hiring a heating technician should verify their Gas Safe registration status. This should be displayed on the website or other marketing materials. Gas engineers need to have excellent customer service skills, as well as technical and practical knowledge. Their responsibilities often involve them into people's homes where they have to make them feel comfortable and reassured. This is especially true if the problem is serious, such as when a customer has an issue with gas. Gas engineers need to be able to remain focused and work under pressure in a hectic environment in which they have to deal with multiple tasks at once. They must also be able identify problems quickly and accurately when working with complex systems, like central heating. In some cases it might be required to alter the routing of gas pipes, which can cause significant disruption to homes and businesses. Experience A gas boiler engineer installs, services and repairs gas appliances and central heating. This role is very hands-on and requires lots of physical exertion. Anyone who is able to see the direct outcomes from their job will find it incredibly satisfying. It is also a varied job that presents new challenges and new problems to solve. The job can be extremely hectic, and can require a lot of travel. The first step to becoming an engineer in gas boilers is to have some form of formal training. This can be accomplished through an educational course at a college that teaches the basics of plumbing and heating, or by completing an apprenticeship in plumbing that combines classroom learning with workplace experience. After completing the basic training, the apprentice can take the Gas Safe exam to become an accredited gas engineer. After passing commercial gas engineers , an apprentice can either apply for a position in a gas company or start their own independent business. A gas boiler engineer that is self-employed will also need to develop abilities in networking marketing, sales and marketing to be successful within their own business. Certain heating engineers are specialized in particular types of gas appliances or systems while others perform more general duties. To legally perform work on any kind of gas appliance, a gas boiler engineer must be registered on the Gas Safe register. Therefore, it is essential to hire heating engineers who display their credentials on public areas or in advertising materials. Gas Safe is a great resource to verify the credentials of an engineer. Good gas boiler engineers should also have excellent customer service skills as they often visit their customers at home or in their work. They should be able make the customer comfortable and explain how they'll fix any problems. This is particularly important if you are installing a brand new appliance that runs on gas, because your customer might be concerned about the security. Licenses Boiler engineers require an official license to legally work. The exact requirements differ by region, but they typically include fulfilling the requirements for education and training as well as observing safety regulations. You can learn the specifics of licensing requirements by contacting your local authorities, labor unions (training is often offered to members), and vocational programs. A license is an essential step in becoming gas engineer. Many apprentices complete a two to three-year program, during which they will be taught and monitored by a certified boiler operating engineer. This training will allow them to acquire invaluable hands-on experience and know the technical aspects of boilers and their functions. When you've completed your apprenticeship you can apply for the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) which will allow you to be a working boiler technician. You can then sign up to the Gas Safe Register, and show your clients that you are up-to-date with industry standards and practices. It is a good idea to renew your ACS every year, as the gas engineering industry is always changing. You'll need a boiler technician certificate to perform certain maintenance on boilers and heating appliances. This is an additional certification that will allow you to undertake more complicated jobs, such as installing new heating systems or replacing boilers. Boiler engineers must be able communicate effectively with customers. This is due to the fact that they are often invited into homes to make repairs or inspections, which can cause a lot of disruption. They must be able to make their clients feel comfortable and confident that they are carrying out their work safely. The responsibilities of a Boiler Engineer will differ based on the kind and size of equipment they use. However all boiler engineers need to possess some knowledge of gas and heating systems. A boiler engineer working on heating systems using oil for instance, must be registered with OFTEC. In the same way, heating engineers who only works on gas stoves must be Gas Safe registered to work with them. Training There are many ways to train as a gas engineer, including through an apprenticeship or a college course. The traditional NVQ apprenticeship program is popular, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. Some people choose to take an Managed Learning Programme course (MLP) or to complete an Accredited Certificate Scheme (ACS). The training for becoming an engineer in gas is extremely thorough and is focused on both theoretical and practical skills. It covers the basics of gas appliances, plumbing, heating systems and more complicated areas such as safety and operation mechanics. The program is about 300 guided learning hours. It can be taught in a classroom or as part of an apprenticeship. During the first stage of their training, students learn to legally and safely using their technical knowledge in real-world situations. They also create an account of their experiences and learning to demonstrate their competence as a gas engineer. This is a critical part of becoming registered with the Gas Safe Register. After obtaining their certification an engineer in boilers can work for a company or as an independent contractor. This flexibility and the high demand for skilled professionals makes it a desirable career choice for many people. With the right attitude and skills people with technical expertise can assist customers with issues to keep their homes warm. In addition to their technical skills, gas engineers must have the ability to communicate with people. Gas engineers frequently visit customers homes to perform routine inspections or repairs in an emergency. They must be able to put their customers at ease by providing reassurances and answering questions. It is essential that gas engineers are happy working with their customers. Many gas engineers pursue additional qualifications to improve their career prospects and improve their ability to provide a professional services to their customers. These include the Carbon Monoxide Checking and Issue of Safety Certificates (CCN1) qualification, which allows them to check commercial premises with gas pipes larger than 35mm. The qualification helps gas engineers meet the current laws regarding the safe operation and maintenance of gas appliances. It also helps prevent malfunctioning systems from causing fires or explosions.