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Gas mains layer

Alternative titles for this job include Gas networks operative

Gas mains layers install and maintain pipelines that supply homes and businesses with gas.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£26,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a gas mains layer

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a gas industry network operative.

This will usually take 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as a trainee gas mains layer. Most employers will expect you to have 3 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and science or engineering.

Experience and qualifications in construction, roadworks, building services engineering or plumbing can be helpful.

You could also move into mains laying from working with another utility, like water.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the gas industry from Energy & Utilities Jobs.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • persistence and determination
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • check technical drawings and plans to trace where you need to dig
  • dig holes by hand or use mechanical digging equipment
  • lay or repair pipes and mains systems
  • connect homes and businesses to the network
  • install and maintain gas pressure control equipment
  • respond to emergency gas escapes
  • fill in holes and repair pavements and gardens at the end of a job

Working environment

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader or site supervisor.

With further training you could move into gas mains or wider utility engineering work, or roadworks and construction.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a gas mains layer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: London

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: HINCKLEY

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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