10 July 2024
If you’re considering a career as a gas or heating engineer, we've got top tips to help you get the job you want.
Whether you’re just starting out in your heating career or thinking of improving your existing skills, Highbourne Group know a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the heating and gas industry. We’ve compiled some of our insider knowledge to help you bag the best gas or heating job out there, so read on to find out more.
What's the difference between a gas and a heating engineer?
It’s easy to confuse the two, but there are several differences between gas and heating careers. As the name suggests, gas engineers work with appliances that are fuelled by gas. They must also be registered annually with the Gas Safety Register to carry out their services legally.
Heating engineers carry out work on any components that aren’t part of a gas system, including heat pumps, thermostats, water heaters and electric boilers. They often hold an NVQ or an equivalent but will not be qualified to work on gas unless they are also Gas Safe Registered.
Why choose a career as a gas or heating engineer?
If you’re thinking about changing careers, there are many great reasons to become a gas or heating engineer! Both jobs come with high demand, so there’s no need to worry about being out of work. Gas heating engineers are particularly sought after at the moment, so it should be easy to find employment, either on an individual basis or working for a company.
These types of heating jobs are also very varied, meaning no two days are the same. Expect to get involved in a wide range of operations, from domestic work to large commercial projects. This, coupled with popular demand, ensures that gas and heating engineers can expect a competitive rate of pay, depending on skill level, location, and role.
Top tips to take your gas or heating career to the next level
Apply for Gas Safe Registration
One of the biggest differences between plumbing and heating engineers and gas engineers is that the latter must be registered annually with the Gas Safe Register. This is a legal requirement for all gas businesses and their engineers in the UK, so it’s important to carry your ID card at all times during working hours. This ensures workers are fully compliant when working with gas and provides extra peace of mind for customers.
Find a reliable merchant
Ensure you stand out from the competition by always using a reliable heating merchant for your tools and supplies. When you buy your equipment from one of our specialist retailers like City Plumbing, you can rest assured that you’re purchasing quality products from industry-leading brands.
Not only does this ensure longevity and exceptional performance, it makes you look good too! Plus, with the option to Click & Collect, as well as Next Day Delivery, you can relax and get on with the job at hand.
Diversify into sustainable heating technology
With the news that gas boilers could be banned in all new builds from 2025, now is the perfect time to get to grips with sustainable and energy efficient heating. Becoming a renewable energy engineer not only helps to increase earning potential, it’s also vital to help the UK reach key Net Zero emissions targets.
To install renewable heating systems, engineers must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Certification indicates that an individual or company can install renewable energy technology to the highest standard, as well as accurately maintain the systems. Training in this area also allows plenty of room for expansion in a rapidly accelerating field.
Types of renewable heat sources
Renewable heating systems work by extracting heat from different sustainable energy sources. Sustainable heating systems designed for domestic installation include:
• Air source heat pumps
• Ground source heat pumps
• Biomass boilers
• Solar thermal panels
Air source heat pumps are currently the most popular renewable heating system amongst homeowners, so it’s well worth familiarising yourself with these technologies if you want to become a top gas or heating engineer.
With a dedicated energy and renewables team that has been in place for more than 10 years, the Highbourne Group is no stranger to sustainable heating technology. Find out more about our commitment to Net Zero and the environment here.
Start your gas or heating training with the Highbourne Group today
At Highbourne Group, we’re proud to offer a variety of partner training courses via our City Plumbing brand. City Plumbing has partnered with GTEC and VIVA Training to provide a range of fully accredited, industry-recognised training courses for installers. If you want to broaden your business opportunities, learn practical skills, and become fully compliant with industry regulations, we’ve got the right training for you.
With courses covering everything from new entrants gas training to various renewable energy installations, we’re committed to helping installers expand their opportunities and skills. View our current range of partner training courses here and take the next step in your gas or heating career today.
