BPEC Domestic Gas Foundation - Managed Learning Programme (new entrant course)
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 2 Dec 2024
- Qualification Type
- Other non-advanced qual
- Course Type
- Part-Time
- Duration
- 27 weeks (minimum) in College plus portfolio of supervised gas work equating to 675 hours (undertaken in own time)
£2850.00
ENROLMENT CLOSED
LOOKING TO BECOME A GAS ENGINEER?
As a fully accredited BPEC Assessment Centre, Glasgow Clyde College offers the BPEC Domestic Gas Foundation Managed Learning Programme which is designed for those looking to enter the gas industry and / or build on existing industry experience.
Train in our purpose-built facilities and gain hands-on experience while working towards an industry-recognised certification.
On successful completion of the MLP, candidates will receive a BPEC Gas Foundation Certificate, allowing progress to ACS assessments and certification, Gas Safe registration and future opportunities in the renewables sector.
Enrolment is closed. ‘Enquire Now’ to register your interest in the next course.
What will I learn?
The Managed Learning Programme (MLP) is designed for those looking to become a domestic Gas Engineer.
While the MLP itself doesn’t certify competence, by successfully completing the programme candidates can undertake ACS assessments to attain the industry recognised certificates which prove competence to apply for Gas Safe registration (not included in the course fee).
COURSE COVERS
- Gas safety legislation and emergency procedures
- Combustion theory and appliance ventilation
- Installation of pipework, meters, flues and more
- Appliance commissioning: boilers, cookers, heaters
- Electrical safety and fault finding
- Central heating systems and controls
This list is not exhaustive and involves training, practical workshops and assessments.
KEY STAGES
Managed Learning Progeamme (MLP)
Candidates attend tutor-led training sessions consisting of theory and practical workshops and are assessd accordingly on core gas safety and appliances (e.g. boilers, cookers).
Additionally, candidates build a portfolio with 675 hours of supervised work alongside a qualified Gas Safe engineer on their specific appliance(s). This is undertaken out with College hours, to coincide with any existing commitments. The portfolio submission deadline is outlined in the early stages of the programme and late submissions may incur a fee.
ACS Training & Assessment
After completing the MLP, candidates return to the College to undertake ACS assessments to attain the industry-recognised certifications which lead to Gas Safe registration. The timing and completion of ACS depends on individual progress.
Renewables Preparation
Successful ACS candidates return to the College once more and complete Scottish Water Byelaws (2014) and Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Vented & Unvented) This final stage prepares candidates for work in the renewables sector, with appliances such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
DURATIONS
- MLP Core Training: 266 guided hours (minimum)
- MLP Portfolio: 675 hours (approx. 18 weeks) of on-site experience
- MLP Training Days: Up to 7.5 hours per day over approx. 14 hours per week
- Boiler (CENWAT): 35 hours
- Optional Appliances: 7 hours each
- ACS Assessments: 3–6 days
- Renewables Preparation - Water Byelaws & Unvented Systems: 1–2 days
COURSE FEES
- Total Fee: £2,850
- Deposit: £500 (non-refundable once the course starts)
- Balance: £2,350 (due within 90 days of course start)
- Payment Plan: Options are available from the time of booking.
This is a commercial training course, and therefore not eligible for College funding or fee waivers. Unless employer or third-party funding is confirmed, the candidate is responsible for full payment.
What’s Included
- All training sessions and course materials
- MLP assessments and portfolio support
- Awarding body registration and certification
- ACS assessments
- Post-course renewables preparation (Water Byelaws & Hot Water Storage)
Entry requirements (minimum)
Entrants without prior gas experience must hold at least one of the following:
- An SVQ or equivalent qualification in mechanical services/engineering (e.g. plumbing)
- Industry-recognised transferable skills
- National 5s (preferably English and Maths) or UK equivalent (e.g. GCSEs)
The College lists SCQF qualifications which align with BPEC (England-based) entry requirements.
If entrants do not meet these requirements, an entry interview is required. Enrolment on the course is at the discretion of the Centre.
Entrants must also confirm that you have not had a gas competency certificate withdrawn or been deemed incompetent in gas safety.
Employer and industry links
BPEC is the British Plumbing Employment Council which is an industry-leading specialised provider of Building Services Engineering (BSE) sector qualifications, assessments and training courses via a network of accredited colleges, private training centres and industry stakeholders.
Jobs and further study
Gas Safe Registration
Upon successful completion of the MLP and ACS assessments, candidates can apply for Gas Safe registration as a competent person. Gas Safe registration is not included in the course fee and is the candidate’s responsibility.
Once qualified and registered with Gas Safe, candidates can :
- Work in the gas industry (earning £30k+)
- Operate their own business
- Install, service, and repair boilers, fires, cookers, and meters
- Work with letting agents or housing associations
- Carry out landlord gas safety certificates
- Progress to renewables technology such as Heat Pumps
After one year on the Gas Safe register, candidates can expand their scope to include additional appliances or switch from natural gas to LPG or non-domestic gas.
Glasgow Clyde College is one of the few Scottish BPEC centres offering the BPEC Domestic Gas (RPL Bridge), which allows candidates with less than 12 months' certification to extend their scope before meeting the one-year requirement for 'Extension of Scope'.
I've applied — what happens next?
In addition to the above entry requirements entrants require the following to enrol and confirm their place.
1. Mentor (with the following)
- ACS-certificates (domestic gas)
- 12+ months experience (domestic gas)
- Liability insurance
The mentor must be able to confirm that they have not had a gas competency certificate withdrawn or been deemed incompetent in gas safety.
2. Fees
- Total: £2,850
- Deposit: £500 (to secure place)
- Balance: £2,350 (due 90 days after the course start date)
3. Supplementary Skills
- Basic IT skills
- Literacy and numeracy compliant with SCQF Level 6
Support is available via the College (fees may apply).
4. Equipment
- PC/laptop and an internet connection
- Microsoft Teams
- PPE and suitable clothing for workshops
Course Booking Terms and Conditions
This is the first time we have stepped away from the traditional 3 years at college for apprentices. I wish I had adopted this route for our trainees sooner. Knowledgeable staff made the journey simple and effortless - 5* experience.
Andy McKenzie | Plumbing and Gas Services
I was looking forward to coming back to Glasgow Clyde. The schedule of the course to accommodate both in house learning and out on the job is good. Overall experience is a positive one. I believe I am on track to passing my ACS.
David Graham | Current Student
I enjoyed everything about the course. The course input was a perfect blend of knowledge and understanding input and practical work. The facilities provided by GCC were excellent in this regard.
Christopher Connell | Ex-student and fully qualified gas engineer