BPEC Domestic Gas Foundation - Managed Learning Programme (new entrant course)
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- Various start dates
- Qualification Type
- Other non-advanced qual
- Course Type
- Part-Time
- Duration
- 1-2 years (subject to individual progress)
Details of the next course will be published here. Check back soon!
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.
Course dates are published here when confirmed. Please check back soon.
What will I learn?
OVERVIEW
The MLP is scheduled for one academic year as it is achievable in this time if all guidance is followed. 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). The ACS assessments are included in the fee as well as courses to prepare candidates for emerging technology and renewables.
(1) Managed Learning Programme (MLP)
Candidates attend tutor-led training sessions consisting of theory and practical workshops and are assessed accordingly on core gas safety and appliances (e.g. boilers, cookers). Subject areas include:
- 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.
Additionally, candidates build a portfolio with 675 hours of supervised work alongside a mentor (who must be a qualified Gas Safe engineer) on their specific appliance(s). Mentors are not provided by the College. 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. Once candidates have passed all assessments and the portfolio they are processed for MLP certification.
(2) ACS Training & Assessment
On receipt of the MLP certificate, 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.
(3) Emerging Technologies 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 emerging technologies and 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
**Although the MLP is scheduled for one academic year, BPEC allows up to 2 years from registration to complete the portfolio. The College will continue to support you with portfolio completion as best they can, even though your specific MLP course has concluded. Once your portfolio is completed, you can return to complete your ACS on a first-come, first-served basis.
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
- Portfolio support, marking and verification
- Awarding body registration and certification
- ACS assessments
- Post-course renewables preparation (Water Byelaws & Hot Water Storage)
Entry requirements (minimum)
Entrants without gas industry experience must have one of the following:
- A recognised mechanical services / engineering qualification (e.g. SVQ Plumbing)
- A minimum of 2 National 5 qualifications (English and Maths or Applications of Maths preferred). Standard Grades, O-Levels, and GCSEs are also accepted.
Supplementary Requirements
These are mandatory to support you throughout the duration of the course:
- Gas Safe regitered mentor
- ESOL Level 5 if English is not your first language
- Fundamental IT Skills
- Access to a laptop or smart device, Microsoft applications, Wi-Fi, and suitable PPE
You will have access to Wi-Fi while on campus via your student account.
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?
There is no formal application process for this course and potential candidates will be asked to complete the register of interest. The register is currently on hold while we forecast when the next course will run.
Once the register reopens, a link will be available on this webpage and those who register will be invited to attend an information session at a later date.
After this session candidates who meet the entry requirements will be asked to complete the official College online enrolment, pay a £500 deposit and confirm their mentor.
All places are provisional until the deposit is paid and a mentor is satisfactorily verified by the College.
We expect to have further information later in 2026, which will be published on the course webpage.
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