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Course overview

Our 29-week Gas & Renewables Engineer Course in Glasgow & Dalgety Bay, Fife is one of the UK’s most comprehensive retraining programmes for adults looking to enter the heating and renewables industry.

We don’t just train you to become Gas Safe registered — we future-proof your career. With growing demand for air source heat pump installations and low-carbon heating systems, our course has been designed to equip you with the skills that are in high demand right now — and will be for years to come.

Developed by our expert learning and development team, the syllabus reflects real-world skill shortages identified across the industry. That means you won’t just leave qualified — you’ll leave highly employable.

With a mix of classroom teaching, practical workshop training, and real-world scenarios, this course offers the hands-on experience essential to building a successful career in the heating and renewables sector.

Course Duration

This programme can be completed in two flexible formats to suit your schedule:

  • Full-time: 29 weeks, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm

  • Part-time: 44 weeks

Qualification Overview

You’ll achieve a range of industry-recognised qualifications, including:

  • CCN1 – Core Domestic Gas Safety

  • CPA1 – Combustion Performance Analysis

  • CENWAT – Domestic Gas Central Heating Boilers & Water Heaters

  • CKR1 – Domestic Gas Cookers

  • Unvented Hot Water Systems – Installation, servicing & maintenance (15L to 500L)

  • Air Source Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance – Learn to install and maintain one of the UK’s fastest-growing low-carbon heating technologies

  • WRAS (Water Regulations qualification)
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Some of the employers from this course

Your 4 Step Accredited Career Path to Becoming Gas Qualified

Your route to becoming a qualified gas engineer follows the 4 steps below.

In-Centre Training

Complete Skills Training Group's award-winning in-centre training which includes theory & practical training, giving you the necessary skills & experience to get you job-ready.

Guaranteed Work Placement

Attend a guaranteed work placement with a Gas Safe Employer and complete your portfolio of work - a mandatory requirement for new entrants.

ACS Assessment

Pass your ACS Assessments giving you the qualifications to work under the Gas Safe Register which is the regulatory body for gas engineers.

Employment

You are now ready to start applying for jobs within the gas and renewables industry or start your own gas and renewables engineering company.

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Gas pipework training

Why you should train as a Gas Safe Engineer

Career changers are finding promising opportunities as gas engineers and air source heat pump installers. These roles are in higher demand than ever due to a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople and the UK’s push toward eco-friendly heating solutions.

For adults considering retraining, the domestic heating sector offers not only abundant job openings but also long-term stability and diverse career paths – making it a persuasive choice for a secure and rewarding new career.

Soaring Demand and Skills Shortages in Heating Trades

The UK is currently facing a major shortage of qualified heating engineers. Gas engineers rank among the top three most in-demand trades nationwide, with roughly 7,400 vacancies recorded in 2024​. In total, there were over 80,000 unfilled roles in construction and trades, underscoring a persistent skills gap across the industry​. This shortfall is set to worsen as about 50% of current gas engineers are over the age of 55​ – meaning half the workforce is nearing retirement in the next decade.

With so many veterans aging out and only a small fraction of young engineers (around 6%) under 35 entering the field​, the talent pipeline isn’t keeping up.

All of this translates into an urgent need for new entrants. In short, qualified gas engineers are in short supply, making it an ideal time to retrain in this trade and fill that gap. Employers across the country are eagerly seeking newly trained technicians, and those who qualify can expect plentiful job offers and immediate opportunities to start work.

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What does the future hold for gas engineers?

The future for gas heating engineers is extremely exciting and lucrative. The UK Government has committed to green alternatives to replace natural gas heating which is certain to create a vast amount of work in our industry.

However, gas boilers will remain the most popular technology for decades to come as the plan to ban gas boilers by 2035 has been scrapped.

But, what happens when they’re eventually banned?

Well, the two primary technologies for reducing emissions to zero by 2050 are Air Source Heat Pumps and hydrogen gas boilers.

The important thing to remember here is although natural gas will eventually be phased out, hydrogen gas is still gas, and it will still need to be regulated similar to natural gas by a governing body, such as Gas Safe.

Also, both hydrogen boilers and air source heat pumps will need to be installed and maintained by qualified heating engineers, so regardless of the new technologies, heating engineers will still be massively in demand, even more so than they are right now.

When talking to the Daily Mail about the Government deadlines, Charlie Mullins, CEO of Pimlico Plumbers who employ over 400 staff said, ‘The massive effort it would take to get the UK’s 30 odd million dwellings swapped out from old gas to green energy on the government’s timetable would keep the country’s current crop of heating engineers busy for a hundred years.’

‘We already have a massive skills shortage in this area as a result of decades of undertraining and sending everyone to university to study English or sociology rather than signing up more apprentices in the building trades. So my message to ministers is – get real if you want anything to change.’

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student next to an air source heat pump training rig

Booming Renewable Heating Sector: Heat Pumps on the Rise

Opportunity is also growing on the renewable heating side of the industry – particularly with air source heat pumps. The UK government has set ambitious targets to decarbonise home heating, aiming for 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028​.

Achieving this will require a massive expansion of the installer workforce. Today, only a few thousand engineers specialize in heat pump installation, but industry estimates suggest roughly 37,000 installers will be needed by 2030 – compared to about 3,000 heat pump installers in 2024​.

This represents explosive potential growth in jobs. Training is already ramping up: nearly 8,000 people completed heat pump installer training in 2023, a 166% increase from the ~3,000 trained in 2022​.

Even so, the total pool of qualified heat pump engineers (just around 11,000 new installers over the last two years​) remains far below what’s required to meet the UK’s climate goals. Tens of thousands more skilled installers will be needed in the coming years​.

For someone retraining now, this means stepping into a booming sector with high demand.

As Britain accelerates the shift from gas boilers to low-carbon heating, your skills will be at the forefront of an industry transformation – a field with significant government backing, investment, and public interest.

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Our gas trainer with his students
a gas trainee with his certificate

Why Now is the Time to Retrain

Retraining as a gas engineer and air source heat pump installer offers a rare combination of high demand, stability, and personal fulfillment.

The domestic heating sector is experiencing a perfect storm of factors creating huge opportunities for newcomers: a national skills shortage (as many engineers retire), an 11-fold increase in heat pump adoption needed to meet climate targets​, and significant government investment in green skills.

By entering now, you’ll be stepping into a job market hungry for your skills – one where you can quickly find employment, command respect as a trained professional, and build a secure future.

Importantly, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your career to suit your life, whether that means steady employment with a company or carving out your own path as a self-employed contractor.

And beyond the practical benefits, there’s the day-to-day satisfaction of doing work that truly matters – keeping families safe and warm, and helping roll out the next generation of clean energy technology in British homes.

Once qualified, gas engineers and heat pump installers enjoy excellent job security and a high degree of flexibility. Heating is an essential service – a basic need in every home – so there is a steady, year-round demand for skilled technicians. In fact, roughly 90% of UK homes rely on gas central heating today​, and there are over 20 million gas boilers in operation that require regular servicing, repairs, and eventual replacement​.

Every boiler installation or annual safety check represents a job that cannot be outsourced or automated – homeowners will always need a qualified person on-site.

Job Demand & Security

Chronic skill shortages mean qualified heating engineers are highly sought after, virtually ensuring job opportunities once you’re certified​. Essential services like heating also provide stable, year-round work – a newly retrained engineer can expect a secure livelihood in this field.

Flexible Career Paths (Employment or Self-Employment)

This trade offers the best of both worlds. You can work as a valued employee (for example, with a gas services company or renewable energy installer) or go self-employed, starting your own business and choosing your clients.

Variety and Growth in Work

Heating engineers enjoy a lot of variety in their day-to-day tasks – every job is different, keeping things interesting​. You’ll continuously learn new skills and can expand into emerging areas like heat pumps or hydrogen heating as the industry evolves. This constant learning and diversity of work makes the career rewarding and helps keep you engaged long-term.

Future-Proof and Meaningful Career

By retraining now, you’re positioning yourself at the cutting edge of an industry undergoing modernisation. You’ll have the skills to work on traditional gas systems and modern renewable technologies, which means you’ll remain relevant as the UK upgrades its housing stock.

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How Much Can Gas Engineers and Air Source Heat Pump Installers Earn?

Whether employed, self-employed, or running your own business, gas engineers and heat pump installers in the UK can earn excellent incomes — with top performers earning well into six figures. Your earning potential will depend on your experience, specialism, location, and whether you work for a company or go it alone.

Employed Positions (Gas & Heat Pump Engineers)

For those choosing the security of employment:

Self-Employed (Sole Traders)

Going self-employed gives you greater control over your workload and the potential to earn significantly more:

💡 Top earners in self-employed roles can exceed £100,000 annually — particularly those with an excellent local reputation, strong customer base, and a focus on high-value work.

💡 Top-tier engineers working with firms like Pimlico Plumbers have reported earnings of £150,000 – £200,000+ per year. These are experienced professionals with fully booked schedules, premium pricing, and efficient systems in place.

Limited Company Owners (With Staff)

Running your own business or building a small team opens up even greater earning potential:

For instance, Pimlico Plumbers, a prominent London-based firm, reported revenues of approximately £85 million with a workforce of around 304 employees. This level of success reflects the high demand for quality heating and plumbing services in the UK.

training on gas fires during gas engineer course
gas boiler training theory on a whiteboard

What to expect on the course

Skills Training Group’s gas engineer course focuses on high quality, employer-led training targeted on making you employable. Our training curriculum is designed to not only teach you the requirements to pass your course, but also to be competent enough to confidently use your new skills.

Our gas workshops are well equipped with all the latest technology, but also with older appliances that you will come across in the workplace. To date, we’ve invested over £250,000 to create the best possible training facilities, incorporating real-life practical scenarios to prepare you for the workplace.

Furthermore, all of our expert training staff are fully qualified industry experts with a minimum of 15 years experience working with some of the UK’s most accomplished gas engineering employers.

a student being taught on our plumbing course training rig

Key Learning Areas

The key learning areas for our gas engineer course focus on both practical and theory training on the industry recognised qualifications below.

CCN1 & CPA1 – This is the core gas safety certificate that all gas operatives must have to work in the domestic gas industry.

CENWAT – Installation, servicing, repair and commission of domestic central heating boilers and water heaters.

CKR1 – Installation, servicing and repair of domestic gas cooking appliances.

Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems – Installation, servicing and maintenance of unvented hot water systems from 15 to 500 litres.

System Design and Fault Finding – Our own system design and fault-finding course aimed at giving you a better understanding of how to repair central heating systems and boilers.

Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps – Install, Service and Maintain Air Source Heat Pump Systems

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student being trained on gas boiler fault finding

What are your career prospects at the end of this course

Once qualified you could:

  • Install, service and repair gas central heating boilers, water heaters, cookers and air source heat pumps.
  • Work for gas engineering companies, insurance companies, housing associations and much more.
  • Complete Landlord Gas Safety Certificates.
  • Complete maintenance work for letting agents.
  • Provide boiler cover plans.
  • Apply to work as a subcontractor for British Gas, Boxt, Corgi Homeplan and many other companies.
  • Provide out of hours emergency call-outs at premium rates.
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Video Testimonial From iSafe Gas Director, Scott Smith

Scott Smith completed our gas safe course at our Paisley training centre. Scott has gone from strength to strength since completing his training, starting gas engineer company iSafe Gas. Scott shares his experience during this testimonial video.

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Asif Ali Feedback
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Lauren Gillespie Testimonial
My experience at Skills Training Group in Paisley was so positive from start to finish. The training centre is extremely well setup, and is a great supportive environment for learning new skills & knowledge. As well as formal tutorials and hands on practical training from terrific experienced trainers; They also arrange great placements for on the job practice. If you are thinking about a career as a Domestic Gas Engineer then I thoroughly recommend Skills Training Group as an ideal place to start your career. I successfully completed my course & passed my ACS in December, one month later I secured a position with Scottish Gas. Thanks to all the staff and especially my trainer Jim at Skills Training Group for a brilliant experience!
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Michael Taylor Feedback
I spent the last 15 years as a machine operator in the paper industry with a company called Tullis Russell and most recently an electronics company TDK micronas in those 15 years I was made redundant in both positions with the company’s closing down. With having a wife and 2 girls, I didn’t want to take the risk of this happening again. I knew about Skills Training Group for a while and the second I heard the news I was getting made redundant again I enquired about it. I met the trainers Craig and Zak for a tour and my mind was made up. My father is a gas engineer and has been for a long time. Although he is a commercial gas engineer, he got into it in a similar way to me so I knew with the correct training it’s achievable (hard work) but achievable. The guys at Dalgety Bay Craig and Zak were great. Full of never ending knowledge. The center alone was great also I had a large classroom, big workshops and plenty of equipment for everyone The placement was great with Scottish Gas – 100% opportunity at the end of it if you are keen.
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Gallery

Some pictures of our gas safety training facilities, students and teachers.

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Eddie Murphy review
British Gas engineers during their gas training course
Gas pipework training
a student being taught on our plumbing course training rig
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student being trained on gas boiler fault finding
our training teaching a student on an oftec oil course
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System Boiler
inspection and testing course
Students who have passed their training and are displaying their certificates

Why do people choose Skills Training Group?

Founded in 2011, we focus on delivering high quality, employer-led training that sets our students up for entering the heating and utilities workforce in Scotland and the surrounding area.

World class training facilities

We invested over £250,000 last year on our training facilities to provide you with the best possible learning experience.

Training experience

Since 2011 we’ve delivered training to over 7000 students with a 99.4% student satisfaction rate.

Guaranteed work placements

We guarantee a work placement with a Gas Safe Registered Employer on our Gas Managed Learning Programmes.

Leading curriculum

Our training curriculum is tailored to include as much practical training as possible allowing you to feel confident with your newly acquired skills.

Fast certification turnaround

Our course certification turnaround can be as quick as 5 working days, helping you to start working faster.

Expert trainers

Our training staff are leading industry experts with Teaching, Assessing & Quality Assurance qualifications.

Our facilities

As the leading heating and utilities training provider in Scotland, we operate state-of-the-art training facilities in both Paisley and Dalgety Bay, Fife.

Combi Boilers

Purpose built workshops

Our purpose-built workshops are designed for both novice and experienced learners with a large variety of appliance types and models.

Spacious Classrooms

Our classrooms are bright and spacious utilising technology to enhance your training experience.

All tools provided

Our centres are kitted out with all the tools you require to complete your practical training.

£250,000 training facilities

We have invested heavily in creating the best possible training facilities, incorporating real-life practical scenarios to prepare you for the workplace.

On site parking

On site parking is available at all of our centres and most of our satellite training centres.

Easy public transport access

Our training centres are easy to travel to & accommodation is readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your course Accredited?

Yes, our course is accredited by LCL Awards.
LCL Awards is one of the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sectors foremost certification bodies, offering qualifications via a network of approximately 200 approved centres located nationwide.

Am I too old to do this course?

We're often asked 'Am I too told to retrain as a gas engineer?'. You'll be glad to hear students of all age groups are welcome on our course. With age comes life experience, maturity and reliability - all highly sought after traits from prospective employers.

Do you offer any distance learning courses?

No - We don’t believe that you can be trained sufficiently on a self-learning or self-study course within the heating industry because there will be many topics that are too complex to pick up from simply reading a book. There is also a huge amount of practical training required to become a gas engineer, which is not available doing distance learning.

Am I eligible to join the Gas Safe Register after successfully completing the course?

After you have passed your assessments you will be eligible to join the Gas Safe Register and hold the mandatory qualifications to work within the domestic gas industry.

How much does it cost to join the Gas Safe Register?

If you are working for an employer, they will pay this for you. If you start your own company this initial cost will be around £400 and requires to be renewed every year for approximately £120.

Will I gain any hands-on experience during this course?

Of course. Our gas safe course is one of the longest courses available for new entrants. This gives us plenty of time to spend in our practical workshop concentrating on skills that are going to make you employable. You will also spend 18 weeks with a Gas Safe Registered company where you will build up a portfolio of work which is a mandatory requirement before you can be assessed.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you a job. Just like a university degree, there is no guarantee of employment after completing your training, however, by completing your training with us you will have an advantage over other students entering the industry due to our reputation in this sector.

Do you think I would be able to go self-employed right away?

Many of our students have gone self-employed. It would be much easier if you already come from a technical background as naturally you will pick things up much quicker. If you aren’t from a technical background, you can still go self-employed but we would recommend working with an employer for at least 6 months first to build up your experience.

Do I need to buy anything?

We will supply you with all your PPE, Workwear and tools while in the centre. When on placement you will share your engineer’s tools, however, once you gain employment an employer will expect you to have your own basic tool kit which could cost around £200.

How do I book?

Call one of our customer service team on 0808 164 2780 and they will walk you through the booking process.

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Download your free course information pack today and find out how you can become a fully qualified gas safe engineer.

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