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Is there a shortage of gas engineers in the UK?

David Lambert • 6 May 2022

50% of Gas Engineers are over 55 years old

There is a shortage of gas engineers in the uk

With 50% of engineers over 55 years old and a continuing demand despite natural gas supplies being phased out, is there a shortage of gas engineers in the UK?

Gas has been a hot topic recently. The government’s plan is to phase out gas supplies to new homes by 2035 and to be gas free by 2050. So what does this mean for gas engineers? With an ageing industry, is there a shortage of gas engineers in the UK?

Will we still need gas engineers in the future?

The simple answer is that yes, we will still need engineers. Regardless of whether they work on natural gas, hydrogen or heat pumps, we will continue to need qualified, experienced people who can install, maintain, repair and replace the appliances we rely on to keep us warm and clean.

Around 85% of our homes – approximately 25 million – currently rely on gas. The sheer scale of the changeover is going to be huge, with heavy investment likely to be made to ensure that engineers are properly trained to handle the work required.

However, according to Gas Safe, there is already a shortage of gas engineers in the UK. Half of the engineers currently working are over the age of 55; in the next 10 years the majority will have retired.

Plus at the moment there are not enough engineers experienced in the installation of alternative heat source technologies. Tens of thousands will need to be trained or up-skilled in order to meet the 2035 deadline.

Is it worth training to become a gas engineer?

A person is adjusting a thermostat with their finger.

Yes definitely! There are numerous developments taking place as we speak that require gas engineering expertise, such as energy-efficient boilers and smart upgrades. Add to that the prospect of 25 million homes transitioning to alternate heating methods in the next 25 years and the future is bright for anyone thinking of a secure, long-term career in a professional trade.

With a shortage of gas engineers in the UK, the industry is actively seeking new people, who are virtually guaranteed plenty of work, a highly competitive salary and opportunities to progress. For example, year on year pay for gas engineer jobs has gone up by nearly 8% in comparison to the annual average of 2%.

In addition, once the eventual change over to hydrogen gas happens, there will be a need for qualified, experienced engineers who can carry out the changeover. In order to become a hydrogen engineer, you first need to be a gas engineer who has been registered on the Gas Safe register for a minimum of six months. They will need to hold the following qualifications a minimum:

CCN1 (core gas safety)
CENWAT (boilers and water heaters)
CJR1 (cookers)
HTR1 (fires)

Once you hold these qualifications, you will then be able to add a bolt-on hydrogen qualification ready for the changeover.

GTA – providing the training and up-skills you need

Gas Training & Assessment Ltd has been delivering fully accredited, highly rated gas training for more than 25 years. Our trainers are all qualified engineers and as such, understand how a shortage of gas engineers in the UK may impact the industry.

We are committed to providing the best possible training to ensure that both new entrants and experienced engineers have the skills and qualifications they need to help during the changeover.

Our courses include:

Every candidate works at a different speed; therefore our classes are kept small to guarantee quality training and one-to-one support when required. Our centre is known for its relaxed, friendly and calm environment, which enables you to concentrate.

Get in touch

Please call Gas Training & Assessment Ltd on 01268 727797 to find out more about our range of gas and renewable energy courses.

We hope you found our article ‘Is there a shortage of gas engineers in the UK?’ of interest. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

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