yet another how do i become a gas engineer thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ray Stafford]

There is another problem, which is using one "standard" for a whole range of activities.

For example, if I was just fitting hobs and cookers in new kitchens, then I dare say you could teach me all I needed to know in 6 weeks.

Similarly, if I was a maintenance engineer for a specific product - say for example a gas-fired laundry machine - then again, I could learn all the gas safety stuff in a few weeks.

The problem comes when we pretend that this "domain specific" knowledge is equated with being able to install, maintain, diagnose and fix a whole raft of products from different times and makers.

Its not right to insist that the former guy completes a 4yr apprenticeship to do that limited job. Yet its also not right to pretend that 6 weeks makes you a sodding expert in everything!

 

[SimonG]

Totally agree Simon i think the key is safe working practices though isn't it? You might come across a boiler with a brand new fault that you've never experienced but it's all about working through methodically and above all safely. This is my point with the diyers/illegals who never have tools for safety eg FGA etc. everyday is indeed a school day but unlike the have a go heroes we keep ourself and the customer out of harm.

Very true. You just go through your fault finding and away you go. Always get a real sense of achievment when its not a standard problem and youve nailed it.

The thing is everybody has to start somewhere, but the number of times you get called to a boiler breakdown and its not the boiler means that you cant just train people in 'how a boiler works', you need to see the bigger picture, external controls, blocked cold feeds, pumping over etc etc.

I'm lucky that I think quite logically and when all else fails I have the phone number of a couple of guys who have seen a bit more than me. Its a last resort, but I know they are there if I need them.

Maybe the newcomers would be better off paying us their money and getting a proper education? Or it could be the beer speaking

 

[kris]

Your right Ray, this is one of the reasons i joined this forum , ,,, to better myself,,, we never stop learning day in day out ,, the amount of tips we pick up off each other on here is priceless, and a lot of questions by joe public will see different answers and all could be right as each persons experience is different , but even if you were to get something diagnosed wrong then its all part of the learning curb, but its the person who hasnt experience but thinks hes a know it all in 6 weeks that is dangerous,

 

[plumber0808]

I had someone phone me asking if he could shadow me on installs, services etc. He would pay ME for doing this and I sign his paperwork off.

His English wasn't the best.

I am not getting involved in this kind of Bull S* even if there is money in it for me

 

[kris]

I wouldnt, this is probably someone that wants an easy meal ticket so once he gains a few weeks experience he'l buy a van start a business and become a dangerous fleecer, or maybe thats harsh he maybe just wants to better himself but there a proper apprenticeships for that,

 

[Ermintrude]

Ok, so all the young lads and lasses are going to be indentured. TO WHO exactly? The last real craftsmen are all dead! We are merely technicians!

I'm controls and combustion , pipework is a fitters job. Not a wholistic approach anymore. Too many variations and permutations of systems.

 

[Roger Welton]

Ok, so all the young lads and lasses are going to be indentured. TO WHO exactly? The last real craftsmen are all dead! We are merely technicians!

Sadly true