Guidance Note 8 has been revised by industry as part of the larger review into the training requirements of both new entrants to the industry and existing gas operatives wishing to undertake new categories and extend their range.
This includes CCN1 and CENWAT to HTR1, COCN1 and CORT to TPCP1, and domestic to non- domestic (CCN1 to CoDNCO1).
It is important to note that there are no changes for any operative who is merely seeking to renew their existing qualifications. This is known as reassessment.
Instead, the emphasis is now very much on the provision of a robust training programme with industry guided learning hours rather than training to the assessment.
This new approach requires documented ‘on and off job’ evidence and, in certain cases, also requires a technical interview to identify gaps in knowledge and experience.
Ultimately, training times would increase accordingly to meet both industry requirements and candidates’ individual needs.
What are the updates to Guidance Note 8?
Because the Guidance Note is so important to all operatives who are looking to increase their scope and undertake new training, it is important to keep up to date with the revisions made to the Guidance Note. We’ve summarised the updates for you here:
- GN8 has been updated to align with IGEM/IG/1 standards of training in gas work
- Formal training records must be kept by centres for candidates wishing to extend the range of ACS categories held (CCN1 and CENWAT held but wanting to add HTR1 Fires) or for extending candidates’ scope from one sector to another (CCN! Held and wanting to add CODNC01), commercial. In all cases, candidates must have been registered with Gas Safe for a minimum of 6 months
- Training centres must now keep all training records for minimum of six years, and these can be audited by HSE, IGEM, or the Certification Organisation
- There are no changes for candidates wishing to undertake reassessment in ACS categories already held
What does this mean to me as a gas engineer?
Keeping up to date and understanding the Guidance Note and its updates is one thing, but it’s also important to appreciate how it will affect you as a gas engineer.
The following are things to consider if you are a gas engineer:
- For reassessment, there is no change
- If you have CCN1 and CENWAT but want to add Fires (HTR1), you must attend training and have evidence of hands-on work on the new appliances (this can be done at the training centre)
- Each appliance you wish to add would require a minimum of 1 day’s training
- If you have CCN1 and CENWAT but want to add commercial boilers, you would need CODNC01 and CIGA ACS categories. In order to be eligible to undertake these new categories, you would need to undertake formal training by completing a formal training course, the length of which ranges from approximately six to 33 days depending on experience, and providing evidence of working on the new category (under supervision)
- Please note that each case is treated individually, and that a technical interview may be required to determine the level of training required for each individual
Where do I go from here?
If you would like to discuss your training needs or the impact of GN8 on your plans for upskilling your workforce, contact Fife College National Gas Training and Assessment Centre on gas@fife.ac.uk or call 0344 248 0134.
Fife College's National Gas Training and Assessment Centre provides gas engineer courses in Fife including: ACS gas courses, commercial gas courses, domestic gas courses, and industrial gas courses for gas engineers.
Our Training and Assessment Centre in Fife is the largest ACS gas training facility in Scotland, providing both domestic gas courses and commercial/industrial gas courses for those looking to become a gas engineer and work towards a new and challenging career within the gas industry as well as for existing gas engineers.
We have worked with and developed packages to meet the training needs of large companies such as British Gas, SSE, SGN, and Turriff, whilst also supporting the needs of SMEs and those who are self-employed.
