Starting Gas engineer advice.

haeven

Hi all, 
This is my first forum on this website. I am a 21 year old living in Kent in the United Kingdom. Currently working as a administrator which I feel is not the right job for me sitting around on a desk for 8 hours. 

After doing some research I came across gas engineering and the basics of what it involved, and was keen to know more about it and how I could get into the trade. As it is something I am interested it and think is a great opportunity , Through some research I know that there are main 2 ways in which people enter the trade is by an apprenticeships or fast track courses. However, after searching for apprenticeships around Kent I have failed to find any. And was wondering the prospects of a premium fast track course approach to enter the trade would be, the course includes a work placement to gather a portfolio. I have no prior experience in the trade or any trade ie plumbing but am willing and determined to make it into this trade. so if I could get any help or recommendations from anyone within the gas engineering community that would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
haeven

jonnygee2

I would keep looking for an apprenticeship. Approach firms directly, in the trades its normal to do this in person (when the lockdown is over of course!).

Apprenticeships are the normal way into trades like plumbing. If you cannot find one among local firms, that probably indicates that you would struggle after doing any course etc too.

Switching to a trade from a desk based job works out for some people and not others. Do you like DIY? Are you generally pretty handy? Are you generally solid and reliable, happy to work longer hours, turn up on time each day etc? Attitudes to things like sick leave and lateness can be very different in the plumbing trade to in an office!

haeven

jonnygee2 said:

I would keep looking for an apprenticeship. Approach firms directly, in the trades its normal to do this in person (when the lockdown is over of course!).

Apprenticeships are the normal way into trades like plumbing. If you cannot find one among local firms, that probably indicates that you would struggle after doing any course etc too.

Switching to a trade from a desk based job works out for some people and not others. Do you like DIY? Are you generally pretty handy? Are you generally solid and reliable, happy to work longer hours, turn up on time each day etc? Attitudes to things like sick leave and lateness can be very different in the plumbing trade to in an office!

Thank you Jonny for your quick response.

Yes, I m still currently looking for apprenticeships and will try to contact them directly.

I would say I do like DIY, I like restoring and fixing things around the house but of course not to the level of handling anything to do with gas. Also, I am aware of the difference in work setting too as it consists of labour work but will put in the work and not slack as I understand the importance of being punctual and hard working mentality. 

Just a quick question, if apprenticeships are out the question what sort of things can I do to gain experiences after doing a course? 

kind regards, 

jonnygee2

Just a quick question, if apprenticeships are out the question what sort of things can I do to gain experiences after doing a course? 

I don't know what course you are thinking about, but in something like this generally people start as apprentices. I don't think you will get hired as anything other than apprentice with no experience, I'm doubtful the course will make a big difference to that. Why would apprentiship be 'out of the question'?

Maybe post a link to the course you are looking at?

haeven

haeven said:

jonnygee2 said:

Just a quick question, if apprenticeships are out the question what sort of things can I do to gain experiences after doing a course? 

I don't know what course you are thinking about, but in something like this generally people start as apprentices. I don't think you will get hired as anything other than apprentice with no experience, I'm doubtful the course will make a big difference to that. Why would apprentiship be 'out of the question'?

Maybe post a link to the course you are looking at?

I was

I was thinking about the course that able skills offered

(New Entrant Gas Training Package 3)

haeven

haeven said:

haeven said:

jonnygee2 said:

Just a quick question, if apprenticeships are out the question what sort of things can I do to gain experiences after doing a course? 

I don't know what course you are thinking about, but in something like this generally people start as apprentices. I don't think you will get hired as anything other than apprentice with no experience, I'm doubtful the course will make a big difference to that. Why would apprentiship be 'out of the question'?

Maybe post a link to the course you are looking at?

I was

I was thinking about the course that able skills offered

(New Entrant Gas Training Package 3)

www.ableskills.co.uk/gas-training-courses/gas-training-packages/

lincroft1710

jonnygee2 said:

Switching to a trade from a desk based job works out for some people and not others. Do you like DIY? Are you generally pretty handy? Are you generally solid and reliable, happy to work longer hours, turn up on time each day etc? Attitudes to things like sick leave and lateness can be very different in the plumbing trade to in an office!

Do you also like crawling round on your hands and knees, bending your back, getting dirty, travelling in all weathers etc

jonnygee2

Honestly, I don't see the value in this course. Get an apprenticeship and go to college!
This course costs £4000, and I can't see anyone hiring you as a trained engineer after doing this course, when you actually have no practical experience. 

Hasbeen

My nephew went on a course a few years back. Linky  It cost over £7000 at the time at his local private training centre. He was I recall 30yrs old worked in sales.  He eventually ended up working for the firm he was work placed with. Own works van etc so it worked for him. He gained much more experience after getting the job.

But have heard it does not end well for everyone. And it is expensive to get on the right course etc.