There are a varieties of avenues into becoming Gas Qualified depending on the gas engineering field you want to focus on which includes:
- New entrants gas training course
- Complete a portfolio
- Complete core domestic (CCN1)
- Register with Gas Safe Register
Getting Gas Qualified
Viva runs the LCL Awards Managed Learning Programme (MLP) for new entrants to the gas sector. The course is for people looking to become Gas Safe Registered, a legal requirement of trading as a gas engineer. It covers everything you need to know, all the relevant qualifications and even includes a work placement.
The new entrants gas course combines classroom and practical learning, along with the completion of a portfolio on live installations. The length of time it takes to complete the programme very much depends on previous experience and your ability to stick to the training plan.
Gas Training
We cover everything you need to work safely on domestic gas within homes and small businesses, culminating in the ACS assessment; a legal requirement of becoming Gas Safe Registered.
Split into modules, each section of the course covers all the basics along with greater in-depth training. Our experienced tutors (ex-British Gas installers) will support you throughout the programme, which includes theory and practical training, in the classroom and on live installations.
Training is broken down into manageable chunks and delivered by ex-British Gas Engineers, covering the following areas:
- Introduction to plumbing, gas and heating theory and principles
- Health and Safety including safe use of tools, asbestos, legionella awareness, manual handling and fire safety precautions
- Pipework installation and practical skills
- Gas legislation, Building Regulations and British Standards
- Industry unsafe situations procedures
- Tightness testing of domestic natural gas installations
- Measuring and interpretation of gas pressures and the calculation of heat inputs
- Gas appliance functions and the operation of gas safety controls
- Principles of flueing, chimneys and combustion
- Safe isolation of electrical installations
- Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating
- Approved Prior Learning (APL) Programme for Domestic Natural Gas
- Water Regulations (WRAS), Hot Water Systems, Safety (Inc. Unvented hot water systems)
- ACS refresher training and assessment for Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) and Gas fired boilers and water heaters (CENWAT)
Your Portfolio
Part of the programme includes completing a portfolio of live installations, we can help you find a work placement in a convenient location if you don’t have one already. This is key benefit to training with Viva. Many providers don’t offer work placements, which means only candidates who are already employed, or have gas engineer mates can train.
The work placement is a crucial requirement of the MLP programme; in order to demonstrate competence in the installation, repair and servicing of gas boilers and the other categories you may have chosen. You’ll need to do each of these elements five times in total to qualify.
Hands-on experience is key to succeeding in your future career.
How Long Does Gas Training Take?
This course usually takes around 15 weeks, with your time split between the centre and on-site placement:
- 3 weeks in the training centre (Monday – Thursday)
- 4 weeks doing your portfolio
- 2 weeks in the centre (Monday – Thursday)
- 4 weeks doing your portfolio
- 1 week in the centre for intensive revision (Monday – Thursday)
- Final theory & practical exams
Usual hours 8:30 am – 4 pm
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- How Long Does A Gas Safe Qualification Last
- What is a Registered Gas Safe Installer?