ESTIMATED READING TIME: 4 MINUTES
Once you successfully complete your G3 and G2 training and certification, your career options are practically limitless. Your Gas Technician license opens doors to skilled trades career opportunities that you may not have even considered before. In our Career Close-Up series, we'll explore the industry jobs you can choose from to help you prepare for the career you want!
Gas Fitters (Gas Technicians)
Gas fitters — also called gas technicians or gas servicers — install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and equipment like meters, regulators, heating units and appliances. They work in a variety of environments from residential buildings, commercial and even industrial establishments. Generally, gas fitters are employed by gas utility companies as well as private gas servicing companies.
As a gas servicer, your skills have to be diverse, this is a non-negotiable. Your duties can include (but are not limited to): testing and replacing defective equipment, attending to gas-escape calls and assisting in the investigation of gas fires and explosions, advising clients on safety features and maintenance of gas units and converting appliances to use natural gas fuels.
What you need to know
Of course, as a gas fitter, you will learn extensively on the job, but a G3 or G2 license is almost always required, so employers prefer to hire graduates of a Gas Technician program. With that in mind, a completed certification (G3 and G2 licensing) will get you hired faster. The best training will provide you with hands-on learning opportunities where you will get in-depth experience in a classroom and lab to learn exactly what you need to know on the appliances you will work on in the field.
Why you should consider this career
Gas servicer employment (and skilled trades employment in general) is in an obvious upswing. As we've mentioned often, Canada is suffering from a skilled trades shortage. In fact, by 2020, it has been estimated that there will be 1 million skilled trades jobs available in Canada. That said, those with formal training in gas fitting will be in demand. In fact, according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) by Employment and Social Development Canada, compared to all new skilled trades jobs between 2013 and 2017, gas fitters will see a share of 56% of new trades jobs in Canada.
With 46% of Ontario gas fitters being hired in the Toronto area, this is an ideal career option for anyone looking for skilled trade jobs in the GTA and in close proximity, like Hamilton, Niagara, Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga.
And the best part? When you get your education at the Skilled Trades Academies — be it at our Niagara campus or Halton campus — you can be out working in just 17 weeks! You'll beat the rush into the workforce!
