If you ever thought of becoming a gas technician Ottawa, chances are you must have wondered what the trade is all about. Don’t worry. In this article, we will talk about 8 crucial things that you need to know before you become a gas technician. We will cover everything from the skills you need to become one to the amount of money you can expect to earn. Now let’s begin.
What is the task of a gas technician?
A gas technician is responsible for inspecting, installing, and repairing gas equipment and gas lines. This includes regulators, gas meters, and heating units such as a fireplace, boilers, or gas water heater Ottawa.
Other tasks of a gas technician include:
- Replacing faulty equipment
- Changing artificial appliances to natural gas fuels
- Fixing gas leaks
- Writing reports on completed tasks
- Informing clients regarding the gas systems’ safety features.
What are the skills required for becoming a gas technician?
There are several skills that you must possess to become a gas technician. Some of the crucial skills are mentioned below:
- Attention to details
- Focused
- Problem-solving ability
- Good communicator
- Excellent customer service
- Ability to interpret specifications and blueprints
Apart from this, you must also have the product knowledge and technical skills which you will learn in the training session.
What does the training of a gas technician involve?
Gas technician training is mainly divided into 3 levels: G1, G2, and G3. G3 is the first training level for the newcomers and can be completed in 12 weeks. This course comprises of topics like:
- Safety
- Basics of electricity
- Power tools and their maintenance
- Features of fuel gases
- Acts, regulations, and codes
- Introduction to tubing, piping, and gas appliances
- Graphs, schematics, drawings, and technical manuals
G2 program comparatively takes longer to finish and has more advanced knowledge and skills. And for the G1 program, you will need the most time as it is the most advanced level of gas technician training.
How to get a gas technician certificate?
To get the certificate, you must complete all the levels of the training. You cannot skip any level as each level will be based on the previous one. G3 holders will be supervised by G2 or G1 holders all the time. But if you earn your G2, you will be able to work unsupervised on meters, appliances, regulators, and gas lines.
Where can you work?
While there are many options to choose from, many gas technicians prefer to work in the construction industry. However, you can also get hired at a gas servicing company. Many gas technicians in Ottawa are self-employed. Some work for furnace maintenance Ottawa. This means that there are enough chances for people to become their boss.
Are there any competitors near you?
It is important to know how much competition is there and how difficult it might be for you to get a job. According to the latest Job Bank Career Outlook Report, the demand has been steady for 10 years. But this might not be the always the same. Therefore, always keep a check on the competitors around.
How much salary can you make as a gas technician?
Salary depends on the level of expertise you have. The salary for a G3 holder will be different for a G1 holder. Since G3 is a junior-level position, you will have less salary than that of a G1 holder. According to the latest numbers at the Job Bank, the minimum salary is $17/hour. This can go up to to $35/hour as you gain more proficiency.
What should you do next?
Here are the things that you can do to begin your career as a gas technician.
- Search for a reliable trade school.
- Complete all three levels of gas technician training.
- Collect certificates of each training level.
- Start working towards your G2.
Now you know everything about how to become a gas technician. If you have further queries, then you can call DreamAir Heating and Cooling Inc. at 613-558-4328, 613-762-3035, and get your queries answered.
