Blog Post

Is it worth becoming a Gas Engineer?

David Lambert • 15 September 2023

There's a UK shortage of Gas Engineers

Is it worth becoming a gas engineer ?

Major Shortage of Gas Engineers


There is currently a major shortage of Gas Engineers in the UK, this is only going to get worse over the coming years, as 50% of current engineers working in the industry are over the age of 55. There are currently not enough new engineers entering the industry. 


So this is a great time to become a Gas Engineer, not just for the short term, but for a life time career.


Misinformation about the Phasing out of Gas Boilers


Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation in the press about phasing out installation of Gas Boilers from 2025 and a lack of understanding by the general public on what that means. 


Currently it is the Government’s ‘aim’ not to manufacture Natural Gas and Oil Boilers from 2035, many in the industry already believe that this target will be put further back to a much later date due to the shear scale of logistics of upgrading and installing new infrastructure. 

Added to the fact that there are over 55 million Gas/Oil boilers that will still need to be serviced and maintained past this date. 


Also, although it is the ‘aim’ to stop manufacturing of Natural Gas Boilers, it is the aim to replace these with new Hydrogen Gas Boilers.


Here we try to debunk some of the misinformation and confusion:

  • Gas Boilers Banned from 2025 – fact this is only for new build properties, you can still buy Gas Boilers from this date


  • You have to get rid of your Boiler by 2025 - this is one of the biggest myths, you can buy and install Gas Boilers in all properties except new builds, you can replace your existing Gas Boiler with another Gas Boiler


  • Gas Boilers are slowly being phased out - the Government's plan is to install non-Gas Boilers in new properties only, there is no plan to phase them out in older properties, the plan is to simply tweak the way they work or what gas they burn


  • You will be fined if you do not replace your old Gas boiler after 2025 - the fact is, you will not be fined, you can continue to buy and install new Gas Boilers after this date


  • You must switch to a new Gas Boilers after 2025 – fact, you do not need to renew your boiler after that date, but when it is time to renew your old one you can replace it with the new efficient Gas boilers or replace it with a Hydrogen Ready Boiler which would be the preferred option


A wall with a sign that says vaillant on it
  • Gas Boilers will no longer be for sale – fact, you will still be able purchase Gas Boilers, they are the new 95%+ efficient boilers and Hydrogen Ready Boilers


Information about Hydrogen Boilers


The Replacement of Natural Gas to Hydrogen Gas is well on the way, with a number of experiments/ trials taking place around the country for a number of years, most manufacturers have also produced Hydrogen Ready Boilers, and the Government has committed to setting up and funding factories to produce hydrogen gas. 


So the question is not will Hydrogen Boilers be introduced, it is when, as it will be the chosen and main source of fuel for future heating systems in the UK.


The Hydrogen standards for future Hydrogen Gas Engineers has already been produced, it currently states that in order to become a Hydrogen Gas Engineer, you need to first be a Natural Gas Engineer, who has been registered with Gas Safe for a minimum of two years, and hold the following Nat Gas qualifications:


  • CCN1 (Core Gas Safety)
  • CENWAT (Central Heating Boilers & Water Heaters)
  • CKR1 (Cookers)
  • HTR1 (Fires & Heaters)
  • MET1 (Meters)


If this criteria has been met, you will then be able to take the relevant Hydrogen add-on qualification.


Changing over to Hydrogen will be a major undertaking of work, as every Natural Gas appliance in the UK will need to be renewed (or adapted, if a hydrogen ready appliance has already been installed). 


This will not be the first time that this sort of major change has happened with Gas in the UK, for those old enough to remember, back in the late 60s/early 70s the UK changed from Town Gas (Coal Gas) to Natural Gas (North Sea Gas). If you speak to Gas Engineers who were working at this time, they will tell you that they were out working 7 days per week 18 hours a day, and were earning vast sums of money, this will be the case again.


So is it worth becoming a Gas Engineer?


Only if you want a career for life, guaranteed work, great rates of pay and excellent earning potential.


If you are interested in becoming a Gas Engineer please contact Gas Training & Assessment, we have over 26 years' of experience in training Gas Engineers, we are well respected within the industry, and are the second to none for value for money on all of our Gas courses.


A man wearing a black shirt that says g.t.a on it
David Lambert - Author

If you have a question about this or any of our blogs, or training courses then please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

We will always try and answer your question quickly and professionally. 
Get In Touch
Launch Your Air Conditioning Career: Lifetime F-Gas Qualification at an Unbeatable Price!
by David Lambert 7 March 2025
Gas Training & Assessment (GTA) is thrilled to announce our game-changing offer on the prestigious City & Guilds F-Gas qualification (2079-11) for £1103.
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT: FREE Air Source Heat Pump Training Available!
by David Lambert 5 February 2025
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity! Our comprehensive Air Source Heat Pump Training Course is now completely FREE thanks to government funding
Start Your New Career This New Year with Gas Training and Assessment
by David Lambert 10 January 2025
Are you looking for a career change, eager to upskill, or finally ready to dive into the gas industry, there’s no better time to get started than right now.
Why Choose Our Oil Boiler Courses? Your Path to Expertise Starts Here
by David Lambert 10 December 2024
At Gas Training and Assessment our industry-leading trainers make our oil boiler courses the perfect choice if you’re looking to enhance your skills.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Air Source Heat Pump Training Course
by David Lambert 8 November 2024
As the demand for renewable energy solutions grows, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) have emerged as a popular choice for efficient, eco-friendly heating.
Begin Your Career in Gas Engineering with Our IGQ New Entrants Course
by David Lambert 9 October 2024
The IGQ New Entrants Course at the Gas Training & Assessment Centre is specifically designed for individuals with little or no experience in the industry.
Gas Training & Assessment's 2025 course dates are now bookable
by David Lambert 9 September 2024
Take control of your future today and secure your place in our training courses in 2025. We look forward to seeing and supporting you on your journey to being a skilled and confident gas engineer!
Choosing the Right Trade: Is a Career as a Gas Engineer Right for You
by David Lambert 8 August 2024
Embarking on a career in the trades can be a rewarding and fulfilling path, offering stability, good pay, and the satisfaction of working with your hands.
Enhance Your Skills with Underfloor Heating Systems Training
by David Lambert 11 July 2024
Boost your career with Underfloor Heating Systems training! Learn from experts, gain skills, & meet the growing demand. Enrol now at Gas Training & Assessment.
The Importance of a Good Reputation in Training and Education
by David Lambert 11 June 2024
Discover why a stellar reputation in training and education is crucial. At Gas Training & Assessment, we prioritise quality instruction, student success, and integrity.
More posts
Share by: