Hello Stricktlynorules (and hello forum!)
I did a 6 month course about 7 year ago.
I knew little to nothing about gas. I knew how to bleed a radiator, that was about my knowledge of central heaitng.
I've always been practical and I guess, handy with tools.
I found the course extremely informative. I learned loads about gas safety.
My course tutor was really enthusiastic, funny and I could tell he had plenty knowledge.
So I listened.
What I gained from the course was a lot of 'theory'
I gained very little hands on. I had 2 six week stints watching a guy servicing and repairing combi boilers, back boilers and fires. this proved to be invaluable in retrospect as I believe it helped me to be 'gas safe'
However, after the course, I was no way confident or compitent to do any work or evan get any employment.
What ended up, after possibly hundreds of rejection, I got on board with a sole trader who had lots of varying work and more importantly, new what he was doing.
This came about only after I would offer to 'carry his tool box' for experience.
I was qualified to the hilt, but new nothing.
I was gas safe registered with 2 mill of public liability to get to this stage.
So I stuck to him like glue, working for free to gain experience and confidence.
8 month later, after doing the 6 month course you mention, I had to go it alone.
Again, I knew nothing but I did know how to be Gas Safe.
So there ensued a long and very steep learning curve!!
After 5 years of trading, I now am starting to earn. I have alot of debt but I will continue to grow.
Learning every day.
I hope to learn so much more and continue to advance.
My work now is mainly installing combi boilers.
Hope this helps.
It is after midnight, i have just finished my days paperwork and I have had a cheeky beer so I hope I havent babbled.
Good luck. I'm happy to answer any questions or give any advice (or take any onslught from the guys on here!)
Cheers
Mik