The Xtra Skills Gas Diploma Programme (GDP) is a structured programme of guided learning designed to train new entrants into the gas industry. It provides recognised entry route to the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) and subsequent registration with Gas Safe Register.
Our Gas Diploma Programme is an IGEM recognised training and assessment package which is certificated by CERT-AIN Certification LTD.
Qualification Details
The Xtra Skills Gas Diploma Programme (GDP) is:
- A structured programme of guided learning designed to meet the requirements for new entrants into the gas industry
- A recognised entry route to the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) and subsequent registration with Gas Safe Register
The GDP consists of both centre based guided learning and ‘on the job’ gas work experience, gained whilst under the supervision of a registered gas installer, acting as the learner’s mentor.
The GDP is an entry route into the following industry sectors:
- Domestic Natural Gas Appliances (Central Heating Boilers & Instantaneous Water Heaters)
Bespoke DGP other than that listed can be awarded, please contact Xtra Skills for further details.
Learners will be trained in the following areas appropriate to the industry sector:
- Legislation, Health and Safety
- Combustion and its Control
- Chimneys
- Ventilation
- Pressure, Flow, Tightness Testing and Purging
- Domestic Pipework Installation
- Electrical Systems, Controls and Components
- Heating Design, Heat Loss and Comfort Conditions
- Installation and Servicing of Domestic Central Heating and Hot Water Appliances
- Principles and Procedures of Fault Diagnosis
Programme Details
The GDP is designed for both new entrant learners into the gas industry and those who claim to have some prior experience and knowledge of the Building Engineering Services industry sector.
All learners applying for the GDP will undertake an initial assessment of their learning needs to ensure that they are able to complete the program and progress to ACS assessment.
All learners will be required to access ‘on the job’ gas work experience, gained whilst under the supervision of a registered gas installer, acting as the candidate’s mentor, for a minimum of 90 days. This evidence will be kept in a Portfolio which can either be manual or electronic. It is the responsibility of the learner to secure their own registered gas installer who will act as their Mentor during the GDP. It is important that the Mentor can allow you to work on the installation, service and breakdown of a variety of central heating boiler.
Learners will undertake assessments as they progress through their programme and must successfully complete all theory and practical assessment before completion of the GDP. All learners applying for the GDP will benefit from an initial assessment of their learning needs, ensuring they are well-prepared to complete the program and successfully progress to the ACS assessment.
Because of the condensed format of the training, all learners must agree to attend each scheduled day of the training in a timely manner. Absenteeism or persistent lateness will result in the learner losing their place on the GDP.
Once the centre has confirmed that the learner has completed the GDP and met the on-site sufficiency of evidence requirements, a Training Completion Certificate will be issued to the learner.
On receipt of their Training Completion Certificate, learners are eligible to apply for ACS assessments covered by the content of the GDP undertaken.
On receipt of their ACS Certificate, learners are eligible to apply for Gas Safe Registration.
Any learner wishing to extend their scope of work into another sector will need to have held their ACS for at least 12 months and be Gas Safe Registered, and will need to arrange for extra training and/or show evidence of realistic work experience in that sector.
Multi-week Phase Programme
The GDP is split into multiple phases, each phase will consist of a minimum of 37.5 hours over 5 days in the classroom and workshop. Learners will be given self-study projects which are to be completed in the learners’ own time., The minimum total guided learning hours is 311.
The areas covered during each phase are as follows:
Legislation, Health and Safety
Combustion and its Control
Chimneys
Ventilation
Pressure, Flow, Tightness Testing and Purging
Domestic Pipework Installation
Systems, Controls and Components
Heating Design, Heat Loss and Comfort Conditions
Installation and Servicing of Domestic Central Heating and Hot Water Appliances
Principles and Procedures of Fault Diagnosis
Learners will undertake formative assessments as they progress through their programme and must successfully complete a summative assessment on completion.
Once the centre has confirmed that the learner has completed the GDP and met the on-site sufficiency of evidence requirements, a Training Completion Certificate will be issued to the learner.
On receipt of their certificate learners are eligible to apply for ACS assessments covered by the content of the GDP undertaken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the full GDP?
£5000+VAT
Is funding available for the GDP?
Funding is not currently available for the GDP.
Is finance available for the GDP?
Finance is not currently available for the GDP.
What will I receive at the end of the GDP ?
On successful completion of the GDP programme you will receive a ‘Certificate of Training’ which permits entry to our ACS courses.
What is a Gas diploma Programme?
This provides a planned approach to your training, enabling your progress to be monitored throughout the whole training journey.
How long does it take to complete?
Xtra Skills’ GDP programme has been designed to be flexible and can be completed in just 6 months or up to a year if more convenient for the candidate.
Do I need your ‘Certificate of Training’ qualification?
This accreditation is a crucial part of the GDP, without it you cannot prove you have carried out gas training that will be recognised by the Gas Safe Register.
Where does the course take place?
At Xtra Skills’ Training Centre in Coventry.
Can I pick and chose which days I attend?
No, because of the condensed format of the training, all learners must agree to attend each scheduled day of the training in a timely manner. Absenteeism or persistent lateness will result in the learner losing their place on the GDP.
Will I have enough time to finish the course?
Xtra Skills’ GDP has been designed to be versatile; we understand that not everyone learns at the same pace, so we cater for this with our flexible approach to training. The group only moves as fast as the slowest individual, so nobody gets left behind. Feedback is requested on a weekly basis and if it is recognised that someone is falling behind one to one training days can be organised to bring candidates up to speed. Our only requirement is that all programmes should be completed within 12 months of the initial start date.
What qualifications will I have at the end of the ACS part of the course?
Xtra Skills’ standard ACS package is recommended, this includes CCN1, CENWAT.
However, if you have a clear direction in which you wish to pursue your future career, please inform us before commencing your GDP and where possible we’ll bespoke the content of delivery to your specific needs.
Will I be registered with Gas Safe at the end of the course?
No, but you will be qualified for registration with Gas Safe; you must then apply for registration with Gas Safe. Only the candidate or their employer may apply for registration we cannot do this for you.
Do I need to register with the Gas Safe Register?
Yes, all persons undertaking gas work in the UK must by law be registered with the Gas Safe Register and must hold a current ACS certificate.
Please feel free to contact us if you were unable to find an answer to your question.
