Question regarding CCN1

[R.Oak]

Hi guys, great forum here can see myself coming back very often. I have a question regarding getting on the 'Gas Safe' register.

I'm currently a self employed plumber, I hold the NVQ Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering services (100/3284/8) and Basic Plumbing studies (100/3356/7). I am looking to press on and get my 'Gas Safe' registration.

The problem I have is as a general plumber I do not have much experience with working on gas systems. I am given to understand that to sit my CCN1 assessments I am required to first have a portfolio of gas work I have completed. As a self employed plumber this is difficult to obtain because naturally I cannot touch anything gas related.

Im wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem and what would be the best way to proceed from here. Is there a course in which I can build my portfolio at the test centre under the supervision of a qualified instructor?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Rich

 

[kirkgas]

There are some training centres/colleges who can organise a portfolio as part of your course, shop around, what area are you in?
PS when deciding who to book with, pick someone who GUARANTEES to GET you a placement, not someone who GUARANTEES to TRY to get you a placement, the devil is in the detail of the contract you will sign and pay for, and one will end in tears of frustration, and will leave you no recourse from them

 

[R.Oak]

There are some training centres/colleges who can organise a portfolio as part of your course, shop around, what area are you in?
PS when deciding who to book with, pick someone who GUARANTEES to GET you a placement, not someone who GUARANTEES to TRY to get you a placement, the devil is in the detail of the contract you will sign and pay for, and one will end in tears of frustration, and will leave you no recourse from them

Thanks for your reply. I am in the doset/somerset region. It's a relief to know that there are places that offer portfolio building as so far ive been told i must supply my own portfolio prior to getting there. Im willing to travel if i must so i shall keep looking until i find one of said places.

thanks again 🙂

 

[combo]

I would seriously think twice about going down the gas route, I speak as someone who has only requalified in the last year myself.

 

[albatross]

Guys often end up working for free with a gas guy to do a portfolio. Not all gas guys will want to help out a potential new competitor though. You could look for an old guy that wants to retire maybe. As a plumber you must know some gas lads near you? Ask about in the merchants. The merchants themselves may be helpful.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

Mr Oak one of our sponsors, certified training helps with portfolio building click on their link on the right. they are based in portsmouth maybe a tad too far for you to go.

 

[northstar]

I would seriously think twice about going down the gas route, I speak as someone who has only requalified in the last year myself.

why ?

 

[combo]

Excessive bureaucracy + costs, ever diminishing wages, more and more ppl entering industry, less work. Two guys Ive worked with in the past have spewed it since christmas, one went back to working on a production line, the other I aint seen.

 

[northstar]

what area do you work in ?

 

[combo]

Im up in the north west, St helens/knowsley. Im talking generally here, I honestly wouldn't advise a kid starting out to go down the gas route, this guy here is a plumber already , so yeah, I see where he's coming from.

 

[R.Oak]

Hi guys thanks for your replies, it is much appreciated. I will definitely be getting 'gas safe' as I am frequently having to turn down work as a result of not being licensed. I appreciate many people being swayed away from gas but I see it as a worthwhile investment. Thanks again.