Gas Network Engineer
What is the work like?
As a gas network engineer, you would install and maintain the pipelines that supply homes and businesses with gas. You may also be known as a service layer or mains layer, depending on the size of the pipes you worked with.
Your job would include:
- digging holes by hand or using mechanical digging equipment
- using maps and plans to trace where you need to dig
- laying and repairing pipes and mains systems
- connecting homes and businesses to the gas network
- installing and maintaining gas pressure control equipment
- responding to emergency gas leaks
- filling in holes and repairing pavements and gardens when your work is done.
You must follow strict safety procedures at all times, and your work must meet the standards laid down by the gas company and the Health and Safety Executive.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not always need formal qualifications to become a gas network engineer, although you will need a good standard of general education and you may have an advantage with some GCSEs or similar qualifications. You should check entry requirements with individual employers.
However, you will often get into this type of work through an Apprenticeship scheme. For this, most employers ask for at least four GCSEs (A-C), including maths, English, and another relevant subject such as science, engineering or design and technology.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
If you are not joining the industry through an apprenticeship scheme, you will find it useful to have previous experience or qualifications in engineering, building services engineering, plumbing or construction.
The job usually involves driving a van around your local area, so a driving licence will be an advantage.
What further training and development can I do?
Your training will be a mixture of learning on the job from experienced staff, and some formal courses at a training centre. You may also work towards one or more of the following qualifications:
- NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Gas Network Operations (Mains Laying, Service Laying or Craft)
- NVQ Level 3 in Gas Emergency Service Operations.
If you progressed into management, you could also take NVQ Level 4 in Gas Network Engineering Management.
See the Energy & Utility Skills website for more details about qualifications and a list of training providers.
Many employers also offer structured graduate engineering and management training schemes, which usually last around two years.
Employers will often want you to be registered in an appropriate safety passport scheme to be able to work on site. Relevant safety passport schemes for gas distribution include:
- EUSR Utility Safety Health and Environment Awareness (Gas)
- Client/Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport
- Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS)
See the relevant websites below for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0844 248 52621011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration: 01923 402155
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Apprentices usually earn £10,000 to £11,000 a year.
- Salaries after the Apprenticeship usually start at £16,000 to £18,000.
- Experienced workers and team leaders can earn around £25,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances can greatly increase salaries.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work around 37 hours a week between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with overtime when necessary. You would also take part in a standby rota for emergencies outside normal working hours.
Most of your time would be spent outdoors, working in all weather conditions. You would be provided with protective clothing like safety boots and high-visibility vests. The work can be physically demanding.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- the ability to follow technical plans and diagrams
- physical fitness
- willingness to work in all weather conditions
- a polite and professional manner with the public
- a responsible and safety-conscious attitude to work
- the ability to work as part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for one of the five regional gas distribution companies (such as National Grid), for a contractor that carries out work on behalf of the distribution companies, or for a construction company building new developments.
With experience, you could progress to team leader and possibly into management. You could also move into field or project engineering, possibly with some further study.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, and employers' own websites. You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Energy Networks Association
Just Utilities.net
Utility Job Search
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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