BPEC Domestic Gas Foundation - Managed Learning Programme (new entrant course)

What will I learn?

Course Overview

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 to be future-ready for renewables technology.. 

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. 

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 alongside any personal commitments or employment.

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  - 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 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. 

Minimum college duration

The minimum guided learning hours for the core competencies shall be 266 hours.

For the purpose of minimum guided learning hours, for consecutive learning days:

• each day shall be no longer than 7.5 hours
• each week shall be no longer 37.5 hours

Minimum portfolio tasks and duration

The portfolio of on-site experience shall provide evidence representative of a minimum of 18 weeks (based on 37.5 hours per week (675hrs)) industry experience and be relevant to the elements in the training/technical specification. This is undertaken in candidates own time, out with the college timetable. 

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 and ACS:

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

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.

Domestic Gas Foundation | Pride through Achievement | BPEC