You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills you need to apply for a trainee position with a gas engineering company.

Courses include:

• plumbing and heating
• refrigeration and air conditioning
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

To fully qualify as a gas service technician, you'll need a recognised gas industry qualification, for example a Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation and Maintenance.

You will normally need to be working to complete a level 3 qualification.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply for a Gas Engineering Operative Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to train as a service technician.

This will usually take around 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You may be able to have your experience and skills assessed through the Accredited Certification Scheme to get a recognised competency certificate.

This assessment is aimed at experienced engineers who work in related industries, like plumbing, heating or ventilation.

You'll need:

• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• practical skills for installing equipment
• problem-solving skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be on the Gas Safe Register to work with domestic gas heating systems

As a gas service technician, you will:

• install gas appliances and heating systems
• carry out planned maintenance checks on systems and equipment
• test controls and safety devices to make sure they work properly
• respond to emergencies
• find and repair gas leaks, using digital fault-finding equipment
• replace or repair old and faulty parts
• complete work records
• advise customers on gas safety and energy efficiency

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be at height and cramped.

You may need to wear protective clothing.