Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Gas Fitter- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working Life
Gas installers usually go to their base early in the morning to collect details of the day's work, and to pick up any spare parts and materials they will need. In large, technologically sophisticated organisations, installers may work from home and use a laptop computer to keep in touch with a service centre, receive a daily appointment list, and order spare parts. Sometimes gas installers do routine service visits for customers who have a service contract with the company.
They often use a radio or mobile telephone to keep in contact with their base. Office or workshop based staff may call installers to tell them about emergency jobs, or spare parts that have come into stock.
Once they reach a customer's premises, gas installers test appliances thoroughly, paying strict attention to safety procedures. They diagnose and repair faults, often on complex appliances. Again, some installers may use laptop computers to help them diagnose faults. They may test a boiler flue to make sure there is proper ventilation and dangerous fumes cannot leak out into the room. Gas installers may dismantle the appliance, clean parts and repair or replace faulty components. They also deal with electronic programs and controls.
Gas installers must work to strict safety standards at all times.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
- Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
- Select pipe sises, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brasing, or welding equipment.
- Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
- Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
Further Information
- Gas Service Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Gas Fitter
To be a gas installer, you must have strong technical knowledge and skills. You will need a methodical, logical and patient approach to diagnosing problems. You must be able to follow safety procedures at all times, working carefully and with great attention to detail. Gas installers need to follow detailed plans and instructions. Increasingly, you will need computer skills; some installers use laptop computers to diagnose problems and communicate with their base. Modern appliances often have electronic programmes.
You need strong communication skills. You will be dealing with customers and therefore presenting an image of the company you work for. You must have good listening skills, and the ability to ask the right questions, to find out more about the customer's needs. Sometimes customers may be anxious or angry, for example, when a central heating boiler breaks down in freezing weather. You must be able to reassure the customer by using a calm, friendly and professional manner. You should be meticulous in your work as it is important to avoid health and safety risks.
You must be physically fit. You may have to lift heavy appliances, climb up to check flue ventilation, or work in small awkward places. You should be mannerly and patient at all times while dealing with the public.
A full driving licence is normally required.
Interests - Gas Fitter
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Gas Fitter
There are many pathways into a career in gas fitting, maintenance, and care.
There are some key skills cert and regulatory requirements by HSA. Any gas installer needs to be RGI: G1-G3 qualified & certified to complete work safely RGII. Other beneficial construction skills safety certs such as: SafePass, Manual Handling, Hazchem, and LUGS (Location of Underground Services), confined space ticket.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering operations, engineering technology, engineering precision manufacturing, construction skills for employment.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: engineering, construction, technology, carpentry, plumbing, electrical.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Construction Plant Fitter, Mechanical Automation, Maintenance Fitter, Pipe Fitter, Plumber Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: engineering, management, health.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Gas Fitter
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €38k - €60k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale / Indeed/ WRC/ Excel/ Talent
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Gas Fitter
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.
Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.
Useful Contacts - Gas Fitter
-
Bord Gais
