MET-UK

Retrain as a Gas Engineer Part Time: Mark Gibbs

Name: Mark Gibbs

Where from? Wombwell

Previous Occupation? Factory worker

What Course? Part Time Retrain as a CORGI Gas Engineer (Level 2 & 3). Mark originally wanted to do a plumbing course, but happily decided to undertake gas, as a Gas Engineer can undertake both plumbing and gas work after gaining the relevant experience.

Why Retrain? Mark’s previous occupation as a factory worker gave him no job satisfaction and he was working long hours for little financial return. Mark was originally drawn to a Plumbing career due to the job satisfaction associated with the industry and the skills shortage meaning that it was relatively easy to find work after qualification in comparison to other industries. After researching the industry and entry qualifications, Mark decided to pursue a Gas qualification as he would be able to undertake some plumbing as a Gas engineer, whereas a qualified plumber cannot undertake any gas work without completing their ACS qualifications and gaining CORGI registration.

Any previous trade experience? Mark had no previous experience in the plumbing and gas industry, but did complete a bricklaying course at his local college, but found that he would have trouble getting work without any experience.

What made you choose MET-UK as a training provider? Mark says “I originally researched training courses at my local college but they didn’t offer any formal qualifications, just introductory modules. I also needed to work at the same time to maintain my income. MET-UK offered formal City & Guilds and vocational qualifications recognised by the industry on a part-time basis, which meant that I could study whilst I continued to work. I was also drawn to the fact that a managed work placement was included in the course which meant that I could experience the industry, but also get the experience I needed to sit the ACS qualifications and eventually become CORGI registered.”

What did your work placement involve? Mark says “I started my work placement with All Gas initially and then completed it with Hawk Plumbing & Heating, both of which had come through MET-UK for their own training and had since set up on their own. I had a good experience with both companies which allowed me to work through the theory side of my course and gave me the experience needed to complete my ACS exams.”

Are you happy with your decision to retrain? “Definitely. I’m aiming to work with an employer initially for a couple of years to get plenty of experience, and then eventually, I want to be able to work for myself.”

Would you recommend MET-UK to a friend? “Yes definitely, and when I branch out on my own, I'll happily take some of your trainees for their work placement.”