Funding Update & A Clear Pathway into Gas Engineering

At Lomax Training Services, our mission is to empower individuals with the high-level skills needed to build rewarding, long-term careers in the energy sector.

The Funding Landscape: Where We Stand

Over recent months, we have been engaged in ongoing discussions with government bodies, awarding organisations, and sector skills stakeholders to secure funding support for our Level 3 Diploma in Gas Engineering programme.

We have presented clear evidence of:

• Strong learner demand

• Employer-reported skills shortages

• An ageing workforce within the gas engineering sector

• The economic importance of skilled trades across the UK

Despite the clear need and growing interest, securing the necessary financial backing remains challenging. While we remain fully committed to advocating for accessible training routes, there is currently a funding gap affecting independent course delivery.

We believe in being open with our learners and partners and will continue working toward sustainable solutions.

Industry Integration and Meaningful Progression

The gas engineering sector is a competence-led industry. To work independently and safely within the profession, individuals must achieve qualifications that lead directly to recognised occupational standards and Gas Safe registration pathways.

While other classroom-based technical qualifications may exist within the education system, not all are fully integrated into the professional gas engineering framework.

For learners, this can mean increased time, financial commitment, and uncertainty regarding employment outcomes.

As experienced engineers approach retirement and demand for domestic heating and maintenance services remains high, training pathways must deliver more than certification they must provide direct integration into the industry workforce.

Make Your Voice Heard

Decision-makers need to hear directly from those affected.

If you have been waiting to access funded training, your experience matters. Sharing your story helps demonstrate the real demand for vocational skills development and the importance of accessible training pathways.

We encourage those who wish to support the case for funding to contact:

• Department for Education – Skills (northeast-ca.gov.uk)

• qualifications.approval@education.gov.uk

Collective voices strengthen the case for sustainable change.

A Proven Alternative: Gas Engineering Apprenticeships

While funding discussions continue, a fully supported government-backed route is available for those able to secure employment with an employer willing to support an apprentice.

We currently offer two apprenticeship pathways:

• Gas Engineering Operative Level 3 Apprenticeship

• Gas Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

These programmes include workplace learning, structured technical training, and End Point Assessment preparation, providing a direct route into industry competence.

Expanding Our Energy Skills Apprenticeship Portfolio

Looking ahead, Lomax Training Services intends to extend its apprenticeship provision beyond gas engineering and gas operative training into the wider energy and utilities sectors.

This development will include pathways into renewable energy technologies, electrical installation, and water-sector operations, supporting the transition toward a more diverse and sustainable energy workforce.

The long-term vision is to contribute across all aspects of the UK energy skills landscape, helping prepare the next generation of technicians and engineers to support evolving national infrastructure.

Our Commitment Moving Forward

While funding challenges remain, our work does not stop here.

We will continue to engage proactively with:

• Local authorities

• Awarding bodies, including City & Guilds

• Government departments

• Industry partners

• And, most importantly, our learners

The gas engineering sector faces a well-documented skills shortage driven partly by an ageing workforce and insufficient new entrants into the profession.

As experienced engineers retire, the urgency to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals continues to grow.

We are committed to being part of the solution.

This means continuing to advocate for accessible training funding, collaborating with key stakeholders to shape sustainable vocational pathways, and listening closely to individuals who are ready to upskill and enter an industry that urgently needs new talent.

Our learners are not simply applicants; they represent the future workforce of a critical UK trade.

The Bigger Picture

The UK needs skilled gas engineers now more than ever.

Whether through continued engagement around funding reform or through established apprenticeship standards, Lomax Training Services remains committed to helping individuals qualify, progress, and build secure, long-term careers.

If you are ready to begin your career in the energy industry, we would love to hear from you to see how we can help you on your learning journey.

Please contact us at enquiries@lomaxtraining.co.uk or contact Tracey Butler on 07920 492254 for more information or support in making your voice heard.