Article by Martin Hofschroer

If you are looking to train to become a plumber, you might want to think about gaining gas skills at the same time.

Anyone that wants to gain access to the plumbing industry as a fully qualified tradesman will need to achieve the City & Guilds 6189 qualification because it is currently the recognised entry level award.

This qualification course is essential for all beginners to the industry because it starts with the fundamentals such as basic pipe work skills before moving onto more complex jobs such as the installation of bathroom suites.

Learning how to execute these tasks will give you the skills to perform typical domestic and commercial plumbing jobs in a competent and safe fashion as a qualified and practising tradesman.

Having these plumbing skills is all well enough but as a tradesman in the current economic climate it is advisable to make yourself as employable as possible by broadening the number of services you can provide.

Being able to work safely with gas appliances as a plumber is highly desirable because this will enable you to offer a more complete level of service instead of having to team up with another fellow tradesman.

The most reputable training providers are able to offer the 6189 qualification with additional gas aspects to those trainees who are looking to gain a wider range skills than those taught in the entry level award.

Gas training alongside the 6189 qualification will include learning how to work with appliances and equipment such as flues, ventilation, combustion and controls which are fundamentals within the industry.

Learning gas training alongside the 6189 will give you the appropriate awareness to be assessed once you have shown that you have worked with a Gas Safe registered engineer and put together a portfolio demonstrating your experience.

If you are unable to secure a work placement by yourself, you should select a training centre that is able to place you with a company that will be able to guide you through the portfolio completion.

This combined learning contains both theory and practical training and is recognised by Gas Safe under their qualification requirements for entry on to the ACS scheme which is the next step to becoming a fully qualified engineer.

Taking the 6189 along with gas training is the correct route into the plumbing and gas industries so trainees should be wary of the City & Guilds 6022 or 6032 qualifications because they are not an equivalent.

About the Author

Able Skills provide training through plumbing courses and electrical courses. Able Skills have opened an Energy Saving Training Centre to provide approved training on the installation of energy efficient forms of heating and lighting.