Domestic Gas Training Scheme (DGTS)
This Gas Package has been developed specifically for new entrants into the Gas Industry and provides the opportunity for learners to achieve Domestic Gas qualifications through high quality training and ongoing support through the training period. It has been designed to meet the essential gas safety training and experience requirements of an SVQ/NVQ. It also satisfies the alternative industry entry requirements as detailed in the ACS Operational Requirements.
The successful completion of this Course will enable the learner to pursue a career within the Gas Industry and to cross-skill to Commercial Gas, Commercial Catering and LPG.
Who is the Course aimed at?
The Scheme is aimed at the more mature learner who may, though not essential, have some plumbing, building or engineering experience. Past applicants have brought a wide variety of transferable skills or life skills alone which have helped them with the learning programme and more importantly with dexterity skills.
What does it entail?
The Course begins with a 20 day period of theory and practical training, based at our Portsmouth Centre. The 20 days of initial training are delivered as one day per week for 20 weeks (or a four week block for Armed Forces Resettlement candidates who book via the CTP). This period may be shortened if some Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) can be shown, e.g. adequate pipe skills are demonstrated. However, any APL claimed will need to be confirmed during the course and we will discuss this with the candidate.
In addition to the 20 days Centre based training the candidate will need to produce a portfolio of evidence gathered 'On the Job' whilst supervised by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Access to work with an existing Gas Safe Registered company or individual who is willing to meet the witness requirements and complete the necessary 'On the Job' reports is an essential part of the Scheme.
Candidates will have our guidance with the production of the portfolio, and whilst we will assist in finding 'On the Job' placements, the responsibility is ultimately the candidates. We will require evidence of the Gas Safe Registration held by the supervising engineer.
The duration of the 'On the Job' experience and development of the portfolio will be determined by the type and frequency of gas work undertaken by the candidate. A person installing two heating systems a week would for instance take longer than someone attending to eight service/breakdowns a day. The candidate is also required to demonstrate work over the range of appliance types.
All tools and training materials are provided whilst with us, but candidates will need to arrange the use of suitable tools and equipment whilst carrying out their 'On the Job' experience.
Once the 20 days training, the necessary 'On Job' experience and the portfolio of evidence are successfully completed and approved by us (we allow candidates up to 12 months from start of the Scheme to complete 'On Job' experience and Portfolio), the candidate will be issued a completion certificate by one of our approved certification bodies. Only on receipt of this completion certificate is the candidate eligible to go on to take the CCN1 (Core Gas Safety) Assessment under the ACS rules. The portfolio of evidence once completed will remain in our possession, as it is an auditable item and part of the ACS Scheme.
Following a successful Core (CCN1) Assessment, candidates may progress to take up to 5 domestic appliance revision and assessment categories as part of the Scheme, and we include the CPA1 (Combustion Analysis) and Energy Efficiency Certificate as a free-of-charge Course Package Bonus for candidates attending the full programme (saving of £470).
Successful achievement of the qualifications will mean that the Learner can apply for individual registration with the Gas Safe Register. However we would expect that in most cases Learners taking this route into the Gas Industry will initially seek employment with an existing Gas Safe Registered company to gain further skills and experience before considering sole trader status.
What does it cost?
The total cost of the Course, including all training, assessments, certification fees, books/study notes and Course Package Bonus (£470 saving) is £2973.62 plus VAT. A deposit is required to secure bookings, please contact us for details.
What should I do next?
If you have any further questions about the Scheme or would like details of start dates for the Courses, please do not hesitate to contact our Training Advisers who will be happy to discuss the Course in greater detail with you.
If you are an Armed Forces Resettlement Candidate and would like to book a place on the next four week block Course, please contact the CTP to discuss your funding and reserve your space.
