Overview
In this episode, Terry reveals how his time inspecting engineers across London opened his eyes to the gaps in training, the pressures of fast-track courses, and what separates truly competent engineers from those just chasing job opportunities.
Highlights
The problem with training
– (1:26) Being an inspector opened Terry’s eyes to some flaws in the training pathways. Many people get qualified without much experience at all.
– (2:24) The main problem is that the process can be rushed.
– (3:54) Doing training is expensive, so there is an incentive to get qualified and on the tools as quickly as possible.
– (5:55) A lot of newly-qualified engineers try to run before they can walk. There’s a lot of learning involved, especially with servicing.
Becoming an inspector, and going back to the tools
– (7:42) It’s stressful running a business, no matter how well you do. Terry got to a point where he wanted to slow down a bit.
– (8:40) Terry learned a lot being an inspector. On the concern visits, he was able to use his knowledge of testing.
– (9:40) After a while, he wanted to return to the challenge of running a business.
What Terry learned as an inspector
– (11:13) The main thing was how little he knew. You only learn what you get taught, and you only get taught what you need to pass.
Technical bulletins are a great source of information.
– (12:40) A question that a lot of engineers would get wrong, with an indoor plastic gas pipe.
Biggest knowledge gaps
– (14:55) Terry would prefer inspecting the old-school type businesses and engineers. A lot of the newer engineers who have been rushed through training are where issues start to appear.
– (17:00) It’s difficult for a new engineer to get into a well-established business. If they do, they often get overworked and underpaid because they are less experienced.
– (22:38) There’s more to go wrong with boilers now, and therefore more to learn.
– (24:00) A lot of engineers are getting heat pump training as a safety net. But installing and fixing heat pumps is different.
Getting started as a gas engineer
– (20:11) Volunteering your services purely to get experience is an option.
– (21:10) If you’re ever unsure of something, ring Gas Safe up.
