ACS Gas & Renewables Training Course
ACS GAS & PLUMBING MAINTENANCE TRAINING COURSE
Become a Gas Safe engineer through the Options Skills ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance Training Course.
With decades of industry experience, our team of tutors deliver the step-by-step training course at our centres in Birmingham, Manchester, Purley and Wembley.After learning essential plumbing and gas skills in our centre, you’ll go out on-site with a qualified mentor to expand your knowledge and skills as you build your portfolio. In the final step of training, you’ll complete your ACS Initial Assessment, which then allows you to apply to join the Gas Safe Register.
Upon ACS Certification, you can upskill with our Renewables courses. Training in Low-Temperature System Design, Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps and Water Regulations will enable you to enter the renewables industry and future proof your career.
Through our combination of practical and theory learning, you’ll gain all the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to launch your career as a gas and heating engineer.
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Duration: 8 Weeks
This course is ideal for complete beginners as well as those with existing experience.
Stage one of the ACS Domestic Gas and Plumbing Maintenance training course is an intensive introduction to the industry. This is a centre led training experience that mixes both practical training, classroom based theory learning and essential health and safety. This is an enhanced gas Managed Learning Plan that will incorporate critical every-day plumbing maintenance skills.*
Also included in the first stage of training is Hot Water Storage Systems (including Unvented G3 of Building Regulations) which has been designed for plumbing and heating engineers to demonstrate understanding and competency in installing, servicing, and maintaining domestic hot water systems. Assessment takes place through multiple-choice assessments, scenario questions and observed practical tasks.
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 & plumbing work and installation, preparing you to move on to the next step of your training.
*This is a recognised gas qualification, not a plumbing qualification.
Duration: Minimum 100 Days
Stage two 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:
- Core Gas Safety (CCN1)
- Central Heating and Boilers (CENWAT)
- Gas Fires (HTR1)
- Gas Cookers (CKR1)
Once you have successfully passed your ACS Initial Assessment, you can apply to become a member of the Gas Safe Register. You must be a member before you can legally undertake any gas work. You may apply for Gas Safe Registration in your own right, or you may work for a Gas Safe Registered business as an approved operative. Membership is renewable annually, and fees are payable directly to the Gas Safe Register. ACS Qualifications are not evergreen and must be renewed every five years through an ACS Renewal Course. These courses last up to five days.
Renewables Accreditation includes:
- Water Regulations (WRAS)
- Low-Temperature Heating Design (LTHWS)
- Energy Efficiency (Part L)
- Air Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMASHPS)
- Ground Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMHPS21)
Heat pumps will form an integral part of the UK’s strategy to meet its Net Zero targets. The UK must install 600,000 heat pumps annually to meet the government’s target of 19 million heat pump installations by 2050. (Source: Heat Pump Association). However, training for heat pump installation is only available to people that hold an RQF Level 3 Heating Qualification (i.e. ACS Gas).
During a 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. You’ll also cover Water Regulations (WRAS), along with Energy Efficiency (Part L).
Upon completion of our ACS Domestic Gas Course and our Renewables training, 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)
- Energy Efficiency (Part L)
- Unvented Hot Design (G3)
- Water Regulations (WRAS)
- Low-Temperature Heating Design (LTHWS)
- Air Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMASHPS)
- Ground Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance (IMHPS21)
We believe that this complete suite of qualifications will allow qualified heating engineers to respond to current and future domestic heating scenarios. It will also enable them to play a critical role in the future of the country’s heating industry, helping us meet our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint.
In addition, 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.
CHECKATRADE
When you enrol on our ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance Training Course, you’ll be eligible to apply for twelve months of free Checkatrade membership.
Checkatrade is the leading tradesperson directory, with over 13 million people using them to help find a reputable tradesperson.
Allowing you to reach new customers in your local area and further afield, Checkatrade and Options Skills will help you launch your career and grow your business.
ACS Gas & Renewables Training Course Syllabus
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G1 – Centre Led Managed Learning Plan |
| Course Title | ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance 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: The acquisition of initial Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme for Gas Fitting Operatives (ACS) certificate(s) of Gas Safety Competence. The acquisition of a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) gas utilisation certificate. The issue of a Training Completion Certificate (TCC). Please see below for abbreviated Gas Course Syllabus: | |
| Duration | 265 Guided Learning Hours plus structured 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 – Domestic Natural Gas – Theory & Practical |
|
| Course Content – Plumbing Maintenance Skills | This section of the course has been designed to provide you with essential plumbing maintenance skills that will benefit you in your new role as a gas and heating engineer. This is not to be confused with a standalone plumbing qualification.
|
| Course Content – Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems (G3) | Water Regulations and the need for compliance.
|
| 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 | ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance 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:
|
| 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 | ACS Domestic Gas & Plumbing Maintenance 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
|
| Accreditation | LCL Awards |
| Next Step | Apply for Gas Safe Registration (Optional) Undertake training in Renewables |
| Division | Gas Training Division |
| Module | G4 – Renewables Training |
| Course Titles | Renewables Training Courses |
| Duration | Varying |
| 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:
|
| Course Content – Air Source (IMASHPS) & Ground Source (IMHPS) Heat Pump | Installation and Maintenance of Ground Source and Air Source Heat pumps. The Learner will:
|
| Course Content – Energy Efficiency | Heat efficiency (Part L)
|
| Course Content – Water Regulations (WRAS) | Water Regulations. Be trained and assessed in the following areas:
|
| 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
ACS DOMESTIC GAS Training Course Frequently Asked Questions
The ACS Domestic Gas Training course costs:
Stage 1 – £5750
Stage 2 – £500
Stage 3 – £1250
Stage 4 – £1550
Learning a trade such as gas and heating engineering opens up a world of opportunities. Not only will 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 and pay rate and choose which jobs you 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. However, as the industry evolves and we move towards a greener future, now is the time to train in gas and renewables; with a shortage of skilled workers across the board and an increasing housing market, tradespeople such as gas and heating engineers are in high demand.
Tradespeople earn an average annual income of £32,500, but there is potential for an even higher amount.
Read Why Become A Gas Engineer and How Much Can I Earn As A Gas Engineer for more information.
Options Skills offer an excellent service, and we provide you with the best opportunity to begin your career as a gas and heating engineer. During your time here, tutors with years of industry experience will teach you 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 Domestic Gas Training course.
No, this is a recognised gas qualification.
Completing the course will result in accreditation in Domestic Natural Gas and Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems (G3).
You will, however, gain essential plumbing maintenance skills that will assist in your role as a gas and heating engineer.
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.
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.
Nationwide Job Opportunities
Major companies looking for our students.
No
Experience Needed
No qualifications or experience required.
Small
Class Sizes
Limited class sizes for higher standard training.
On-Going
Support
Continued support after you've qualified.
No
Hidden Extras
Upfront about costs, no nasty surprises.
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The Jubilee Centre
130 Pershore St
Birmingham
B5 6ND
68 Grosvenor Street
Manchester
M1 7EW
Fairbairn Close,
Purley,
CR8 2EJ
Abercorn Commercial Centre
Manor Farm Rd
Alperton, Wembley
HA0 1AN
