Curriculum of MLPs for Gas Engineers: A Look at Training Courses

Managed Learning Programmes, or MLPs, are designed to be comprehensive, structured training programs that provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills gas engineers need to ensure they can offer a high standard of service and maintain safety at all times.

Viva Training, one of the UK’s leading providers of gas training courses, recognises the vital need for this ongoing learning. Viva offers an impressive selection of MLPs that cater to different experience levels within the gas industry. Whether you’re an industry novice looking to gain the essential skills or an experienced professional seeking to refine and advance your knowledge, Viva Training has an MLP structured to meet your career objectives.

We look into the curriculum of two flagship MLPs offered by Viva Training: the Fast Track Gas Training MLP for those seeking an intensive, comprehensive learning journey and the New Entrant Gas Training MLP for beginners stepping into the gas industry. Ex-British Gas Engineers deliver these well-crafted programs and offer a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, equipping you with the tools and skills needed to forge a successful career in gas engineering.

Fast Track Gas Training MLP

A Comprehensive Training Journey

The Fast Track Gas Training MLP, offered by Viva Training, is a meticulously designed program for those who wish to fast-track their journey into the gas engineering industry. This MLP aims to provide participants with an extensive understanding of gas systems, an in-depth knowledge of safety standards, and the practical skills necessary to operate confidently and safely in the field.

This course’s objectives are to equip learners with the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate the gas industry, ensure that they understand and can implement safety protocols effectively, and prepare them for the scenarios they might encounter professionally. The benefits are substantial: the Fast Track MLP is a comprehensive and practical training route to becoming a competent and confident gas engineer, providing a solid foundation for a successful career.

The curriculum of the Fast Track MLP is robust and covers a broad range of essential topics.

Plumbing, gas, and heating theory and principles: Understanding the core theories and principles behind these systems forms the basis of your knowledge as a gas engineer.
Health and safety procedures: Safety is paramount in this industry. The course ensures you understand and can apply safety procedures effectively.
Pipework installation and practical skills: You’ll get hands-on training on pipework installation, equipping you with the practical skills you need in the field.
Gas Legislation, Building Regulations and British Standards: The course will familiarise you with the relevant legislation and standards guiding the industry.
Unsafe situations procedures: Handling emergencies professionally is crucial. You’ll learn how to identify and address unsafe situations.
Tightness testing and gas pressure interpretation: These technical skills are essential to ensure safe and efficient gas systems.
Gas appliance functionality: Understanding how different appliances function helps ensure their safe and efficient operation.
Principles of flues, chimneys and combustion: Knowledge of these principles is vital for properly installing and maintaining gas systems.
Safe isolation of electrical installations: You’ll learn the correct procedures to isolate electrical installations safely.
Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating: This course segment addresses how to make heating systems more energy-efficient.
Approved Prior Learning (APL) Programme for Domestic Natural Gas: This part of the training recognises your previous knowledge and skills.
Water Regulations, Hot Water Systems and Safety: You’ll learn about water regulations and the safe operation of hot water systems.
ACS refresher training and assessment: This critical refresher course and assessment ensure your skills remain up-to-date and aligned with industry standards.

The Fast Track MLP takes approximately 26 weeks, combining in-centre learning and on-site placement. You’ll learn in-centre for the first seven weeks from Monday to Friday. The subsequent weeks will be on-site placement, working alongside a gas engineer for practical experience. Finally, the course concludes with final theory and practical exams, assessing your competence and readiness to embark on your career as a gas engineer. The usual hours are from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

This comprehensive training journey prepares you for the real-world challenges of gas engineering, ensuring you have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in your career.

New Entrant Gas Training MLP

Gateway to Gas Engineering

The New Entrant Gas Training MLP offered by Viva Training serves as a vital stepping stone for those who are beginning their journey in the gas engineering industry. This course is thoughtfully designed to introduce newcomers to the gas industry, furnishing them with the fundamental knowledge and foundational, practical skills needed to kickstart their gas engineering careers.

This MLP’s primary objectives are to provide new entrants with an understanding of the gas industry’s core concepts, equip them with essential practical skills, and impart the importance of safety standards and procedures. The benefit of this program is twofold: firstly, it provides an accessible entry point for individuals without previous experience in the gas industry; secondly, it ensures that these newcomers are well-prepared and confident as they embark on their new career path.

The curriculum of the New Entrant Gas Training MLP closely mirrors the Fast Track MLP but is targeted specifically at those new to the industry. The course dives into the fundamentals of:

Plumbing, gas, and heating theory and principles: The course begins with the basics, teaching the fundamental theories and principles of plumbing, gas, and heating systems.
Health and safety procedures: Learners will get an overview of the vital health and safety procedures and why they are crucial in the industry.
Pipework installation and practical skills: An introduction to pipework installation and developing rudimentary practical skills form an essential part of this MLP.
Gas legislation, Building Regulations and British Standards: New entrants will be introduced to the regulations and standards that govern the gas industry.
Unsafe situations procedures: This crucial segment focuses on teaching learners how to identify and handle unsafe situations professionally.
Tightness testing and gas pressure interpretation: Basic technical skills, such as tightness testing and gas pressure interpretation, are covered in this part of the course.
Gas appliance functionality: Understanding how different gas appliances function forms part of the foundational knowledge imparted.
Principles of flues, chimneys and combustion: New entrants will gain insight into these key principles that are integral to installing and maintaining gas systems.
Safe isolation of electrical installations: Learning the correct procedures to isolate electrical installations safely is included.
Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating: This segment introduces energy efficiency concepts in domestic heating.
Approved Prior Learning (APL) Programme for Domestic Natural Gas: Any prior knowledge and skills are recognised as part of this training.
Water Regulations, Hot Water Systems and Safety: The course covers water regulations and the safety aspects of hot water systems.
ACS refresher training and assessment: An important segment that ensures newcomers are kept abreast of current industry standards.

The New Entrant Gas Training MLP spans 26 weeks, with a structured combination of in-centre learning and on-site placement. The first five weeks involve in-centre learning from Monday to Friday, followed by on-site placement alongside a gas engineer for practical experience. The course concludes with final theory and practical exams, assessing the learners’ understanding and readiness to enter the gas industry. The typical hours for this program are from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

The New Entrant Gas Training MLP paves the way for a successful career in gas engineering, providing newcomers with the essential knowledge and skills and the confidence to thrive in their new industry.

Comparing the Fast Track and New Entrant MLPs

While both the Fast Track and New Entrant MLPs offered by Viva Training are meticulously designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in gas engineering, there are differences between the two that may make one a better fit for your career objectives and experience level.

The Fast Track MLP is a comprehensive program designed for individuals with a grounding in the industry but looking to upskill and fast-track their careers. The fast-track nature of this course means it dives deeper into the subject matter quicker and demands a higher level of commitment and effort from the learner. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to expand their skills, gain a competitive edge, and quickly progress in their career.

On the other hand, the New Entrant MLP is designed for those entirely new to the gas industry. This course starts from the basics, allowing new entrants to build their foundational knowledge and skills. It is tailored to ensure newcomers are not overwhelmed and can gradually build their confidence and expertise in the field. It’s the perfect starting point for those new to the industry and seeking to understand the fundamentals before venturing into more advanced topics.

Choosing between the two MLPs, consider your current level of expertise and your future career objectives:

For newcomers to the industry, the New Entrant MLP is an excellent choice as it starts from the basics and gradually builds up knowledge and skills.
For those with some experience or foundational knowledge in the field, the Fast Track MLP is a great way to fast-track your career progression by building on your existing knowledge and diving into more advanced topics.

Both MLPs offer a comprehensive curriculum covering various relevant topics and provide a blend of in-centre learning and on-site placement for practical experience. No matter which program you choose, you can be confident that you’re embarking on a rigorous and enriching learning journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the gas engineering industry.