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Published on Growing Ambitions
(http://growingambitions.tes.co.uk)
Gas Network Engineer
What is the work like?
Gas network engineers install and maintain the pipelines that
supply millions of residential homes and businesses with gas. They
are also known as service layers or main layers, depending on the
size of the pipes they work on.
The main areas of work involve:
laying, repairing or renewing pipe systemsresponding to reported
gas escapesconnecting homes and businesses to the gas network.
Usually working in small teams of two or three people, typical
duties include:
using computer-generated plans and blueprints to find where the
underground pipes are locatedusing cable avoidance tools to locate
underground electricity and other services that may then be marked
to prevent damage occurringinforming home and business owners in
advance of any work that will disrupt their gas supply, and the
likely duration of workcordoning off areas of work and putting up
signage to warn members of the publicdigging a hole in the road or
pavement using mechanical excavators, pneumatic drills and hand
tools such as shovels, to access pipesdisconnecting gas supplies
and reconnecting once work is completecompleting repairs, laying
new pipes and connecting pipes, so that all the sections fit
tightly togethertesting that the installation is gas-tight and
commissioning the systeminstalling and maintaining gas control
pressure equipmentfilling in holes, repairing pavements and
clearing rubble away once work is completed.
At all times, gas network engineers must follow set safety
procedures, to ensure they are not endangering themselves, their
work colleagues or members of the public.
Hours and environment
Gas network engineers work on average a 37 hour week, Monday to
Friday, with overtime available if a job needs to be completed.
Some of the work may be carried out during the night or at weekends
to minimise disruption to gas supplies. Most gas network engineers
take part in a standby rota scheme for emergency work outside of
normal working hours. This could mean working weekends or bank
holidays.
They mainly work outdoors, in all weather conditions. The work
can be quite physical, with lots of bending and lifting and using
heavy machinery in sometimes cramped spaces.
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A responsible attitude to safety is essential as workers may
sometimes be exposed to dangerous materials and use hazardous
equipment. Appropriate protective clothing is provided, such as
high visibility vests, gloves, kneepads, fireproof trousers and
safety boots.
Salary and other benefitsThese figures are only a guide, as
actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where
people live.
Starting salaries for apprentice gas network engineers can be
between 9,000 and 11,000 a year.On completion of training, they can
earn around 16,000 a year.Team leaders can earn between 19,000 and
20,000, increasing with management responsibilities to around
25,000 a year or more.
Overtime and shift allowances paid on top of these salaries can
increase earnings considerably.
Skills and personal qualitiesGas distribution workers need:
a good level of physical fitnesspractical engineering skills and
good manual dexteritythe ability to follow technical instructions
and diagramswillingness to work outdoors in all weather
conditionsconfidence to work alone and within a close teamsafety
awareness and a responsible attitude to worka polite and
professional manner to communicate with members of the public.
Interests
It is important to have an interest in:
practical workthe utilities sector (gas, electricity and
water).
Getting inApproximately 20,000 people in the UK, including gas
network engineers, are employed in upstream gas activities. Jobs
are widespread as gas is distributed throughout the UK. There are
likely to be more vacancies in built-up and industrial areas.
Overall, the sector is growing, and over the next 30 years a
major pipeline replacement programme is planned, which is likely to
require more new apprentice gas network engineers.
National Grid is one of the major employers, but the work of gas
network engineers is often
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subcontracted to other companies.
Jobs and apprenticeship opportunities are advertised on the
National Grid website, in the local press, Jobcentre Plus offices
and Connexions centres.
Entry routes
There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as a
gas network engineer. However, some employers may ask for GCSEs or
equivalent, including English and maths. Practical subjects, such
as technology and engineering, may help to secure employment. The
Diploma in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.
A common route into this job is via an Apprenticeship. For gas
network engineering Apprenticeships, 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.Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships provide
structured training with an employer and pay at least 80 per week -
95 per week from August 2009. A recent survey found that the
average wage for apprentices was 170 a week. Entry to Employment
(e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an
Apprenticeship. In addition, Young Apprenticeships may be available
for 14-to 16-year-olds. To find out more, see the Apprenticeship
page on this website, contact the local Connexions service or
visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Previous work experience or qualifications in engineering,
building services engineering, plumbing or construction may be
useful for those not taking the apprenticeship route.
The job may involve driving a van around a local area, so a
clean driving licence can be an advantage.
TrainingTraining for new entrants is a combination of learning
the practical skills from experienced distribution gas network
engineers and attending formal courses at a nearby training centre.
Induction training will focus on health and safety when working
with gas, including:
using breathing apparatuswhat to do in case of a fire or an
explosionthe importance of wearing the right clothing.
Before working on a gas site, gas network engineers all need to
have an appropriate safety passport. This proves that appropriate
health and safety training has been received. The relevant safety
passport scheme for gas distribution is Safety Health and
Environment Awareness (SHEA Gas).Gas network engineers then work
towards the appropriate NVQ in gas network operations, the industry
standard suite of qualifications for each job role. These are often
undertaken on a progressive basis as people obtain more work
experience and develop their career. They include:
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Level 1 (operative)Level 2 (team leader service or mains
laying)Level 3 (technician).
An NVQ Level 3 in gas emergency service operations is also
available. Study is either by day or block release.
The National Grid Advanced Apprenticeship takes three years to
complete, with 50 per cent of time training away from the job. The
remainder of the time is spent working on live projects alongside
experienced people who themselves will often have gone through
apprenticeship training. On completion apprentices can achieve:
Key Skills Level 2 Certificatea foundation NVQ Level 2a
technical certificate and an NVQ Level 3 relevant to the area the
apprentice will be working in.
Many employers, including National Grid, also offer structured
graduate engineering and management training schemes.
Getting onGas network engineers, on completion of an
Apprenticeship and with NVQ Level 3, can achieve craftsperson
status. They can also be promoted to technician level, which would
involve managing multiple teams.
Further training, such as taking the NVQ Level 4 in gas networks
engineering management, could lead to a managerial position. These
jobs could involve planning and designing gas networks, health and
safety management and risk assessment, and auditing.
Many employers support further training and professional
development, which could lead to professional engineering or
project management qualifications and professional engineer
status.
Further information
Energy & Utility Skills, Friars Gate, 1011 Stratford Road,
Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN. 0845 077 9922. Website:
www.euskills.co.uk/careers
Energy & Utility Skills Register. 0845 077 9922. Website:
www.eusr.co.uk
National Grid. 0845 803 3191. Website:
www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
Further readingCareers in the Gas Industry - Energy &
Utility Skills
Young apprenticeships in the utility sector - Energy &
Utility Skills
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www.justutilities.net
Magazines/journalsUtility Week
(Some may be priced)January 2009
Content provided by Jobs4U, author: Martin Webb. Original
content: Gas Network Engineer. Last update at 2009-02-13.
