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.
