Beware of fast tracking to become a gas engineer, says BPEC

Beware of training providers that offer short cuts to becoming a gas engineer without giving learners the proper work experience or time needed to gain vital skills and knowledge, says training and assessment provider BPEC.

There are two primary training routes for new entrants looking to become a gas engineer: the Gas Engineering Apprenticeship or the Gas Managed Learning Programme, both of which culminate in ACS assessment, which needs re-taking every five years.

Both training routes not only require extensive work experience alongside a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, but also take a substantial amount of time to gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to become a fully qualified gas engineer.

Unfortunately, some training providers offer short cut training solutions in order to ‘fast track’ new entrants into the industry, says BPEC. Its CEO Neil Collishaw says: “There is no fast track to gas safety – quicker and cheaper is not the way. Those providers cutting corners are not only doing learners a disservice but also the industry, by turning out people who are not fully trained.”

All Gas Managed Learning Programmes (MLPs) should comply with IGEM/IG/1 – Domestic Natural Gas training specification – which gives guidance on the minimum on- and off-the-job training requirements. All training providers that deliver the Gas MLP should be working to that industry standard and should be approved by IGEM.

“At BPEC we pride ourselves on meeting the IGEM standard and do not compromise on quality or safety. Our approved training centres across the UK uphold these standards with our learners and the public in mind.

“We encourage those looking to enter the industry to research courses carefully and ensure you will receive sufficient practical and real-life experience over a period of time, in order to become fully qualified.”