Gas service installer

How to become a gas service installer

There are several routes to becoming a gas service installer. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. 

College

You could complete a college course such as a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating, a Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Natural Gas Installation or a Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a gas services company is a good way into the industry. 

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in gas engineering to become a gas services installer.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have relevant experience in plumbing or heating, you could apply directly to a gas service company to gain experience as a gas service installer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced gas service installer and progress as your abilities improve.

You may be able to have your experience and skills assessed through the Accredited Certification Scheme to get a recognised competency certificate.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a gas service installer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a gas service installer include: 

• Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Qualifications

What does a gas service installer do?

As a gas service installer you will be responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing gas systems in a variety of buildings. You could also be giving advice to customers, ordering new parts and testing to ensure safety measures are met.

The role of a gas service installer involves the following duties: 

• Installing new gas service connections to a range of clients
• Altering the position of existing gas pipes to enable redevelopment work
• Commissioning or decommissioning gas systems
• Working with technical diagrams and plans
• Providing a full range of services on low, intermediate and medium pressure distribution and high-pressure transmission networks
• Using the latest technologies and innovations to deliver a safe gas supply
• Following strict health and safety procedures at all times to meet nationally-required standards.

How much could you earn as a gas service installer?

The expected salary for a gas service installer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained gas service installers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained gas service installers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
• Senior gas service installers can earn in excess of £30,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest gas service installer vacancies: 

• Indeed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a gas service installer you could gain experience and move into gas engineering, or supervisory and management roles. 

Alternatively, you could set up your own gas installation business or work as a self-employed consultant.