Gas & Renewables Training Course | Become a Future Proofed Heating Engineer
The UK has pledged to reduce carbon emissions and strive for net-zero targets by 2050 (Source The Institute for Government). To help achieve this, the heating industry in the UK will need to adapt to new legislation. Heating solutions in domestic properties are likely to combine technologies as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint.
The introduction of renewable energy sources such as heat pumps and Hydrogen to replace natural gas are real possibilities. However, over 20 million domestic properties and many businesses still rely on natural gas as a heat and energy source.
With this in mind, Options Skills has developed a robust Gas & Renewables Training Course. The course is designed to future-proof and meet the needs of modern heating engineers by ensuring that they have the skills and qualifications required to meet the changing needs of our industry. The programme is aimed at new entrants to the industry and those with limited experience and without qualifications.
The Gas & Renewables Training Course by Options Skills is the most comprehensive course for new entrants to this exciting & essential industry. It consists of 4-must follow steps that we will deliver over 12-24 months.
- Step One - Centre Led Training/MLP
- Step Two - Portfolio Building
- Step Three - ACS Initial Assessment
- Step Four – Renewables
Duration: 8 Weeks
You will begin our Managed Learning Programme (MLP). The MLP is an accredited gas training programme that meets the requirements of The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
During the 8-weeks at the centre, you will undergo intensive practical and theory training with Domestic Natural Gas and Domestic Gas Appliances.
In addition to this you will complete your Hot Water Storage Systems (HWSS), including Unvented (G3 of Building Regulations) and Central Heating Design (HSD1). This module consists of: heating and hot water design including knowledge and understanding of “S” & “Y” plan systems, hot water storage, comfort conditions and basic heating and hot water principles, basic system types, heat-loss calculations, system design, system specification and selection including emitters, pipework, boilers and pump sizing, sizing and selection of hot water systems.
Centre led training will take place at one of four centres nationally. We have designed this stage of training to be an in-depth introduction to gas work and installation, preparing you to move on to the next step of your training.
You will begin our Managed Learning Programme (MLP). The MLP is an accredited gas training programme that meets the requirements of The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
During the 8-weeks at the centre, you will undergo intensive practical and theory training with Domestic Natural Gas and Domestic Gas Appliances.
In addition to this you will complete your Hot Water Storage Systems (HWSS), including Unvented (G3 of Building Regulations) and Central Heating Design (HSD1). This module consists of: heating and hot water design including knowledge and understanding of “S” & “Y” plan systems, hot water storage, comfort conditions and basic heating and hot water principles, basic system types, heat-loss calculations, system design, system specification and selection including emitters, pipework, boilers and pump sizing, sizing and selection of hot water systems.
Centre led training will take place at one of four centres nationally. We have designed this stage of training to be an in-depth introduction to gas work and installation, preparing you to move on to the next step of your training.
Duration: Minimum 100 Days
Stage three of training is a legal requirement for anyone training to become a gas heating engineer.
You will spend a minimum of 100 days working with a qualified gas engineer. Under their supervision, you will undertake a range of gas work, documenting this to complete a portfolio. Options Skills works with a network of registered gas installers across the country. We can assist with introductions if necessary.
Your portfolio acts as evidence of the work you have undertaken as a trainee and must be of acceptable quality to allow you to progress to the next stage of training. There is a minimum duration of 100 days and a maximum duration of 2-years to complete your portfolio.
Before moving onto stage four, you must pass a summative assessment. A summative assessment includes; three written assessments, one practical assessment and portfolio evaluation. Upon successful completion of your portfolio, you will earn your DNGA 1 – 5 MLP. This certification is evidence to all training providers that you have completed training and portfolio building. You are now ready to book your ACS Initial Assessment.
Stage three of training is a legal requirement for anyone training to become a gas heating engineer.
You will spend a minimum of 100 days working with a qualified gas engineer. Under their supervision, you will undertake a range of gas work, documenting this to complete a portfolio. Options Skills works with a network of registered gas installers across the country. We can assist with introductions if necessary.
Your portfolio acts as evidence of the work you have undertaken as a trainee and must be of acceptable quality to allow you to progress to the next stage of training. There is a minimum duration of 100 days and a maximum duration of 2-years to complete your portfolio.
Before moving onto stage four, you must pass a summative assessment. A summative assessment includes; three written assessments, one practical assessment and portfolio evaluation. Upon successful completion of your portfolio, you will earn your DNGA 1 – 5 MLP. This certification is evidence to all training providers that you have completed training and portfolio building. You are now ready to book your ACS Initial Assessment.
Duration: 7-10 Days
We will invite you back to the training centre to undertake your ACS Initial Assessment. As the only industry-recognised route, gas engineers must complete the Accredited Certification Scheme to become a member of the Gas Safe Register. Including practical and verbal examinations, you will cover the domestic suite of gas qualifications:
We will invite you back to the training centre to undertake your ACS Initial Assessment. As the only industry-recognised route, gas engineers must complete the Accredited Certification Scheme to become a member of the Gas Safe Register. Including practical and verbal examinations, you will cover the domestic suite of gas qualifications:
- Core Gas Safety (CCN1)
- Central Heating and Boilers (CENWAT)
- Gas Fires (HTR1)
- Gas Cookers (CKR1)
Duration: 2 Weeks
Renewables Accreditation includes:
During the two-week training and assessment period, you will receive training in low water temperature system design, and installing and maintaining ground source and air source heat pumps. Assessment takes place through design scenarios, work performance activities and written examinations.
Upon completing stage five, you will have gained the following qualifications:
With the above suite of qualifications, you are eligible to apply for membership of the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), which is not only a sign of quality and commitment but boasts several benefits for both installers and manufacturers.
Renewables Accreditation includes:
- Water Regulations (WRAS)
- Heat & Energy Efficiency EEDHS (Part L of Building Regulations)
- Low-Temperature Heating Design (LTHWS)
- Air Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMASHPS)
- Ground Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMHPS21)
During the two-week training and assessment period, you will receive training in low water temperature system design, and installing and maintaining ground source and air source heat pumps. Assessment takes place through design scenarios, work performance activities and written examinations.
Upon completing stage five, you will have gained the following qualifications:
- Core Gas Safety (CCN1) including CPA1 (Flue Gas Analyser)
- Central Heating and Boilers (CENWAT)
- Gas Fires (HTR1)
- Gas Cookers (CKR1)
- Heating Design
- Unvented Hot Design (G3)
- Part L of Building Regulation (Part L)
- Water Regulations (WRAS)
- Low-Temperature Heating Design (LTHWS)
- Air Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMASHPS)
- Ground Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMHPS21)
With the above suite of qualifications, you are eligible to apply for membership of the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), which is not only a sign of quality and commitment but boasts several benefits for both installers and manufacturers.
Footnote: Natural Gas will continue to play a vital role in heating our homes for a considerable time to come. Whilst there is talk of Hydrogen replacing Natural Gas, this policy is yet to be formalised, and specific training and qualification for Hydrogen does not yet exist. If and when the UK introduces it, it is likely to be in the form of a short conversion course for existing gas engineers. If the UK adopts Hydrogen as policy as part of the UK’s drive towards Net Zero, we will update our training provision at the earliest opportunity.
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G1 - Centre Led Managed Learning Plan |
| Course Title | Gas and Renewables Training Course |
With Effect from November 2017, all New Entrants to the Gas Industry in the UK must follow a standardised Level 3 RQF ( Regulated Qualifications Framework) Gas Course that is delivered by an approved Gas Training Centre. The Managed Learning Programme (MLP) delivered by Options Skills meets the requirements of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) document Standards of Training in Gas Work IGEM/IG1 leading to: |
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| Duration | 265 Guided Learning Hours plus structuted self-study |
| Location | Options Skills Training Centre |
| Attendance Type | Full time (Monday to Friday) or part time week blocks |
| Suitability | This programme is designed for New Entrants to the Gas Industry. |
| Prerequisites | Candidate must be assessed for suitability prior to course attendance. Candidate must be registered with awarding body 1-week before the start of course. |
| Course Objective | To develop the candidates understanding and knowledge of Gas Regulations and critical practical skills required to work as a Registered Gas Installer. |
| Course Content - Theory & Practical | Domestic Natural Gas Health & Safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Risk assessments History of the gas industry Gas Legislation Industry Unsafe situations Installation of gas supply in domestic premises (Theory) Installation and Purge volume Calculations Calculating Pipe sizing for domestic appliances Combustion of Natural Gas and its properties Primary safety devices and controls (Theory) Chimney Standards and Principle of flues Ventilation requirements and installation requirements Electrical safe isolation (theory) Knowledge and understanding of Gas Appliance installations and their standards The application of PPE and Risk assessment Bending and manipulation of copper tube Installation and fabrication of Steel pipe and fitting’s Installing compression fitting on gas supplies The use of a propane torch for soldering Activities Installation of pipe frames utilising a variety of jointing materials Domestic Gas Meter Installations Internal pipe installation from Gas meter to Appliance point Gas tightness testing following Industry Standard procedure Purging of domestic Gas supplies Gas Pressure testing using water manometer (U gauge) Conducting flue gas Analysis and a variety of appliance types Testing Chimney performance and integrity Measuring gas consumption and conducting Gas rates on appliances Hands on Primary Safety device and controls testing Installation of Gas cookers to required standards Installation of Gas fires to required standards The service and commissioning of Boiler Cookers and Fires Applying electrical safe isolation techniques when working on installations |
| Course Content - Central Heating Design (HSD1) | Heating & Hot Water Design including knowledge and understanding of “S” & “Y” plans systems, Hot water storage, Comfort conditions and basic heating and hot water principles
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| Course Content - Water Regulations (WRAS) | Water Regulations. Be trained and assessed in the following areas:
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| Course Content - Unvented HWSS (G3) | Unvented hot water Systems (G3). Water Regulations and the need for compliance.
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| Assessment | Written & practical formative assessments |
| Qualifications | Working towards an RQF Certificate of Completion of Managed Learning Programme (Gas) DNGA1-5 |
| Accreditation | LCL Awards |
| Next Step | G2 - On-site Portfolio Building |
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G2 - On-site Portfolio Building |
| Course Title | Gas and Renewables Training Course |
| Duration | Open. Minimum of 100 days. |
| Location | In the workplace (on-site) |
| Attendance Type | N/A |
| Suitability | For New Entrants to the Gas Industry. |
| Prerequisites | Completion of G1 - Managed Learning Plan |
| Course Objective | This is a legal requirement to enable the candidate to gain valuable on-site experience with a practising and Registered Gas Safe Installer. The trainee will work under supervision using skills gained at the training centre, building confidence, knowledge and experience |
| Course Content - Practical | A suitable portfolio of evidence must be built under the supervision of a registered Gas Safe installer. This will include a variety of tasks such as those listed below. The portfolio is not limited to this list, it is intended as a guide only: Gas pipework installation up to 35mmRe-installing and up-dating Gas Meter installation to current standards The installation of gas cookers, ovens and hob units. The installation of gas fires and space heaters The installation of boilers (Heat only, Combi and System) and central heating systems Core gas safety activities and commissioning procedures, including:
The service/maintenance and break down of Gas fires and space heaters The service/maintenance and break down of Centrals heating boilers and heating systems Conduct and complete Landlord Safety Checks |
| Prerequisites | On completion of the on-site portfolio, it will be assessed and verified by Options Skills to industry standard. |
| Next Step | Summative Assessments |
| Course Content | Summative practical & theory assessments |
| Assessment | Conduct a series of Summative written papers and complete an hour long summative practical assessment in designated centre. |
| Qualifications | DNGA1-5 MLP Certification |
| Accreditation | LCL Awards |
| Next Step | G3 - ACS Initial Training & Assessment |
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G3 - ACS Initial Training & Assessment |
| Course Title | Gas and Renewables Training Course |
| Duration | 80 Guided Learning Hours |
| Location | Options Skills Training Centre |
| Attendance Type | Full time (Monday to Friday) |
| Suitability | For people that wish to gain ACS Gas Qualifications |
| Prerequisites | For candidates that have completed G1 Managed Learning Plan and G3 on-site portfolio. Candidate will only be assessed for appliances/ qualifications listed below if he or she has built sufficient evidence within their portfolio. |
| Course Objective | Train and assess candidates understanding of Gas Supply Regulations. If successful, you will obtain ACS Gas Qualifications that will allow the candidate to apply for Gas Safe Registration in your own right or work as an approved operative for a Gas Safe Registered organisation. |
| Course Content - Practical | Refresher Training and preparation for Assessment |
| Course Content - Theory | Refresher Training and preparation for Assessment |
| Assessment | Written and practical assessment in Core Gas Safety. Gas Safety for domestic appliances; Boilers & water heaters, gas fires (space heaters) and gas cookers. |
| Qualifications | Domestic Suite of Gas Qualifications
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| Accreditation | LCL Awards |
| Next Step | Apply for Gas Safe Registration G4 - Renewable Accreditation & Low Water System Design Module |
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G4 - Renewable Accreditation & Low Water System Design Module |
| Course Title | Gas and Renewables Training Course |
| Duration | 70 Guided Learning Hours, Total Qualification time 95 hours |
| Location | Options Skills Training Centre |
| Attendance Type | Full time (Monday to Friday) or part time week blocks |
| Suitability | This programme is designed for Qualified Gas engineers (Level 3) ACS accredited in the Gas Industry. |
| Prerequisites | Heating installers with experience installing wet central heating systems, evidenced either by manufacturer courses certification or Gas Safe Register registration. These pre-requisites are not required where this Qualification is being delivered as part of a recognised training course in any of the above. |
| Course Content - Low Temperature System Design (LTHWS) | Low Water Temperature system design. The Learner will:
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| Course Content - Air Source (IMASHPS) & Ground Source (IMHPS) Heat Pump | Installation and Maintenance of Ground Source and Air Source Heat pumps. The Learner will:
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| Assessment | Assessment through design scenarios and through work performance activities and a series written and theory based written examinations |
| Qualifications | RQF) 600/7730/X, 601/2504/4, 603/7761/6. IMHPS21, IMASHPS, LTHWS |
| Accreditation | LCL Awards |
Up to 31st December 2020 Regulated qualifications and UKAS Accredited certificates of competence issued in the UK were widely recognised by other EU member states. However since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, individual member states that previously recognised a UK qualification may now no longer do so. Learners undertaking qualifications on the basis that it is recognised by an EU member state should in the first instance make enquiries with the relevant bodies in that Country to confirm its recognition status.
The ACS Gas & Renewables training course is broken down into multiple stages.
Stages 1 & 3 - £7,500
Stage 2 - £500 payable directly to mentor
Stage 4 - £2,000
Prompt payment only.
Stages 1 & 3 - £7,500
Stage 2 - £500 payable directly to mentor
Stage 4 - £2,000
Prompt payment only.
Learning a trade such as gas and heating engineering opens up a world of opportunities. Not only do you learn a skill for life, but you create the opportunity to become your own boss. Being self-employed, you can set your working hours, rate of pay and choose which jobs you will undertake.
In the industry, you also get the benefit of variety. No working day will be the same; you’ll be working on different jobs, for different people and in various locations.
As the industry evolves and we move towards a greener future, now is the time to train in both gas and renewables And; with a shortage of skilled workers across the board and an increase in housing being built, tradespeople such as gas and heating engineers are in high demand. Those already in the trade earn an average annual income of £32,500, but there is great potential for an even higher amount.
For more information, read Why Become A Gas Engineer and How Much Can I Earn As A Gas Engineer.
Options Skills offer a great service, and we provide you with the best opportunity to begin your career as a gas and heating engineer.
During your time here, you will be taught by tutors with years of industry experience who know the ins and outs of the industry. You will also undertake on-site training, ensuring you’re fully introduced to the industry and have sufficient expertise before you begin working independently.
Throughout training, you will benefit from a dedicated support team who will ensure training goes smoothly and who you can talk to if ever necessary. And we continue to offer support even after you’ve completed your ACS gas & renewables training course.
If you know an experienced gas engineer who is happy to supervise you, you can work with them to build your work portfolio.
However, if you don't, here at Options Skills, we guarantee to find you a qualified gas engineer to act as your mentor during step two of your ACS gas training course.
Due to years of experience in the industry, Options Skills have built up an impressive network of gas engineers, meaning we will be able to place you with someone local to allow you to complete your gas portfolio.
If you fail any of your exams, we offer students the opportunity to resit them. In addition, Options Skills will provide students with extra training or support if necessary, free of charge to help prepare you for your re-examination.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide those who fail their exams with a refund. However, we offer the chance for students to retake their exams, and we can provide extra training and support necessary.
If you have previous experience and have obtained your ACS qualifications, you can undertake our add-on courses in renewables. If you have not completed an MLP, you will be required to complete the full Gas & Renewables Training Course.
The best course of action, if you have experience in the industry, is to call our advisors to discuss your situation.
Options Skills are in no way able to guarantee any student will pass the exam. However, we provide our students with expert training, which, combined with hard work and dedication, will give you the best opportunity to pass the exam.
While we will provide students with excellent practical and theoretical training, we will not teach them how to pass the exam. Therefore, passing any exams or assignments is dependent on your level of knowledge, dedication and hard work.