If you work direct for a uni (I did many years ago, not Plumbing) - very cushy but not many opportunities for advancement. But a great many uni services are getting contracted out at most unis. (Outsourcing) bit like a lot of Council stuff.
If you fancy it Matt then go for it mate , commercial gas is a whole different animal and if you have a chance to better yourself and gain more qualifications and be paid for it then i would seriously consider it . Kop
I spoke to a commerical engineer recently. He said there's alot of domestic engineers due to fast track courses etc. But a shortage of commercial engineers. Not sure if this is correct. But I could see how it could be.