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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
27 weeks (minimum) in College plus portfolio of supervised gas work equating to 675 hours (undertaken in own time)

£2850.00

2023 COURSE ONGOING. REGISTER FOR 2024 - commercialcourse@glasgowclyde.ac.uk

LOOKING TO BECOME A GAS ENGINEER?

As a fully accredited BPEC Assessment Centre, Glasgow Clyde College can help candidates achieve this with the BPEC Domestic Gas Foundation Managed Learning Programme.

This course is for those wishing to enter the gas industry. It is primarily for employers/companies looking to upskill operatives with relevant experience. It is also suitable for those wishing to change career or progress an existing career who have their own mentor.

On successful completion, candidates will receive a BPEC Gas Foundation certificate. This enables candidates to undertake ACS assessments, apply to work under Gas Safe Register and be future-ready for renewables technology.

What will I learn?

'ENQUIRE NOW' TO REGISTER INTEREST FOR 2024 

Course Overview

The MLP runs each year normally starting in September. Attendance mode is subject to change each year but is always part time. In addition to College attendance candidates require to build a portfolio of work equating to 675 hours. This work is undertaken with a fully qualified and gas safe registered domestic gas engineer in the candidate's own time.  

The Managed Learning Programme (MLP) will give you all the information and training you need to become a Gas Engineer, but does not prove competence. 

On successful completion of the MLP, candidates return to the College for the ACS assessments which provide the certifications of competence, to apply for the Gas Safe register (not included in course fee) and thereafter undertake Water Byelaws and Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems. 

Learners must be on the programme for at least 6 months and be registered with BPEC at the start of the programme. The full duration to completion of ACS is subject to individual progress. 

As this course is categorised as part-time commercial training, it is not eligible for any fee waiver or funding via the College. The student is liable for the payment of fees, unless an external training grant or employer support is confirmed at time of booking. 

Key Stages:

1. MLP - Training (Guided Learning Hours)

Timetabled tutor lead workshops which cover both theoretical and practical application of domestic core gas safety and appliance(s). Guided Learning Hours are as follows:

  • Core competencies = 266 hours
  • Boilers (CENWAT) = 35 hours 
  • Additional appliances = 7 hours each

2. MLP - Assessments 

Timetabled practical and theory assessments for specified appliance(s). Most opt for CENWAT (boilers), however additional appliances are attainable at an additional cost and if onsite evidence is produced within portfolio.

3. MLP - ‘On the job’ training - Portfolio

The portfolio is an evidence log of gas work which requires a minimum of 675 hours submitted by a stipulated deadline (outlined on the first day, if not met, a late fee is charged).

4. ACS - Training and Assessments 

ACS are the industry-recognised certifications undertaken in College after successful completion of the above stages 1-3.  It does, however, allow you to be assessed for competence under the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS). ACS operates separately from the MLP;ACS certification allows candidates to apply for Gas Safe registration (this registration is not included in the course fee).  

5. Renewables Pathway

If successful with stages 1-4 candidates return to College and undertake the following which will prepare them for renewables sector systems such as Heat Pumps or Solar Thermal

  • Scottish Water Byelaws 2014
  • Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Vented and Unvented)

MLP content

  • Safety, Legislation and Standards
  • Gas emergency actions and procedures
  • Products and characteristics of combustion
  • Ventilation for domestic gas-burning appliances
  • Installation pipework and fittings
  • Tightness testing and purging
  • Checking and/or setting meter regulators
  • Unsafe situations, emergency notices and warning labels
  • Operation and positioning of emergency isolation controls and valves
  • Checking and setting appliance operating pressures and heat inputs
  • Chimneys and flues
  • Chimney installation, inspection, and testing
  • Re-establishing existing gas supply and re-light appliances
  • Basic electrical safety
  • Central heating boilers, systems, controls, and fault diagnostics (fault finding)
  • Water heaters
  • Cookers
  • Heaters (fires and wall heaters)

The MLP has extensive theoretical content in line with legislation / statutory regulations which is directly applied to the 'on the job' portfolio and practical assessments. 

Course Fee - £2850 (including deposit)

The deposit is £500 (in full) and will secure enrolment on the course.  The deposit is non-refundable after the course has started and an invoice is issued for the balance. Instalments can be made towards the balance from point of booking

This course is categorised as part-time commercial training and is not eligible for any fee waiver or funding via the College. The student is liable for the payment of fees, unless an external training grant or employer support is confirmed at time of booking. 

Fees include

  • Training sessions, assessment pack and course materials,
  • MLP assessments, portfolio support and verification
  • Awarding body registration and certification
  • ACS Assessments

If successful with the MLP the following is also included:

  • Scottish Water Byelaws 2014
  • Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Vented and Unvented)

Entry requirements (minimum)

To enrol on the course entrants require the following:

1. Mentor

Entrants must have an ACS-certificated mentor with 12 months+ experience as a Gas Safe registered gas engineer. The mentor must commit to the full duration of the course and portfolio. The College cannot provide or recommend a mentor.

2. Qualifcatons / Experience

Those without gas/plumbing/heating experience must have at least one of the following:

  • SVQ in a Building Services / Engineering industry recognised qualification 
  • NAT 5s preferably English and Maths 
  • UK industry experience preferably in the Building Services / Engineering sector

Entrants who do not meet any of the entry requirements are required to attend an entry interview. This also applies if the entry requirement verification provided is not satisfactory. 

3. Deposit 

A minimum deposit of £500 will secure enrolment on verification of entry requirement 1 and 2

4. IT, Literacy and Numeracy

Entrants must have fundamental IT skills and English language, literacy and numeracy levels consistent with SCQF Level 6 - SCQF Framework due to the theoretical content of the course. The College can offer additional support where required (fees may apply).

5. Resources

Delegates should have access to:

  • A PC / Laptop
  • Internet / WiFi
  • Microsoft Teams – to interact with your classmates and the trainers
  • PPE / suitable clothing for an industrial work environment

**Candidates must declare they have not previously had a gas competency certificate withdrawn or been deemed incompetent in gas safety**.

Entry is at the discretion of the Centre.

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

On 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 cost and is the responsibility of the individual.

Once qualified you could:

  • Gain employment within the gas industry earning £30k+
  • Operate your own business
  • Install service and repair boilers, water heaters, fires, cookers and meters
  • Secure work with letting agents/housing associations
  • Carry out landlord gas safety certificates.
  • Become future industry ready for Renewable Technology

Once on the gas safe register for one year, candidates can extend their range by undertaking additional appliances and extend their scope from natural gas to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or to non-domestic gas.

Additionally, Glasgow Clyde College is the only College in Scotland which offers the BPEC Domestic Gas (RPL Bridge) designed for candidates with less than 12 months certification who require to extend scope prior to the one year entry criteria for 'Extension of 'Scope' assessments. 

I've applied — what happens next?

  1. Bookings open May/June 2024
  2. Verify entry requirements and mentor / entry interviews
  3. Pay deposit (£500)
  4. Final timetable confirmed June/July 2024 (refund available up to 14 days before start date if confirmed timetable is unsuitable)
  5. Terms & Conditions and Enrolment link issued to student.
  6. Payer of fees enters into a service agreement with the College
  7. Invoice is issued on the course start date with a specified payment due date as per service agreement.

As this course is categorised as part-time commercial training, it is not eligible for any fee waiver or funding via the College. The student is liable for the payment of fees, unless an external training grant or employer support is confirmed at time of booking. 

You don’t have to wait for the invoice to start paying the fee balance. You can pay instalments from point of booking - the earlier you book the longer you have to pay. 

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

More questions? Contact us about this course


0141 272 3362