New employment opportunities emerge for aspiring gas fitters

Domestic gas trainees have received a welcomed boost of late with the announcement of 200 new British Gas apprenticeships .

British Gas has trained more than 3,300 apprentices over the past decade at the British Gas Academy and within customers’ homes. Those who graduate from the scheme enter jobs installing, servicing and repairing energy efficient boilers and central heating systems. The new positions are available across the UK.

The announcement is positive for the gas industry as a whole and offers hope for anyone intent on carving out a career as a gas engineer that work is available if they are willing to dedicate themselves to formal training.

British Gas is clearly in a better position than most when it comes to hiring new talent as the UK’s leading energy supplier but there’s evidence that smaller and more localised gas servicing businesses are also looking for new blood to replace retiring gas fitters.

Apprenticeships continue to offer an excellent route into the gas industry and allow you to undertake formal qualifications in an environment while also receiving a monthly salary. With the Government previously announcing financial backing to firms to increase apprenticeships opportunities, the industry hopes more trainee gas fitters will find work in this way in the near future.

To stand the best chance of selection for an apprenticeship you would normally need at least four GCSEs at grades A to C including Maths and English. Many firms will look favourably on A to C grades in Science, Engineering or Design and Technology.Gas industry apprenticeships comprise practical work with an employer and college/classroom training.

Whether you’re looking to sign up for a gas training course or you’re already qualified and looking for work, the best way of securing employment continues to be work experience. Unfortunately you may have to work unpaid for a while as you learn the ropes but the best way of snapping up an apprenticeship position is to already have a foot in the door!