Gas distribution workers install and maintain the gas pipelines that supply homes and businesses.

Their duties include:

• digging holes by hand or using mechanical digging equipment
• using maps and plans to trace where they need to dig
• laying and repairing pipes and mains systems
• connecting homes and businesses to the gas distribution network
• installing and maintaining gas pressure control equipment
• responding to emergency gas leaks
• filling in holes and repairing pavements and gardens after the work is done.

They must follow safety procedures at all times, and their work has to meet the standards laid down by the gas company and the Health and Safety Executive. The area of work is very closely controlled by legislation.

Hours and Environment

As a gas distribution worker you will normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may sometimes need to take part in a standby rota and work nights and weekends if emergencies happen outside normal working hours. You may also need to work paid overtime if necessary to complete a job.

You will spend most of your time working outdoors, which could be in all weather conditions. You will be given protective clothing like workboots and high-visibility vests.

The work can be very physical, involving bending and lifting and using heavy machinery.

Skills and Interests

To be a gas distribution worker you should:

• enjoy practical work
• be able to read technical instructions and follow diagrams
• have a logical and methodical approach
• be polite, friendly and professional
• have drive and determination
• be aware of safe working practices
• be able to work alone or as part of a team.

You will need to be mobile so a driving licence is essential.

Entry

You do not always need qualifications to become a gas distribution worker, although some employers may ask for some GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications like NVQs. 

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For an apprenticeship you will usually need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, English, and another relevant subject such as science, engineering or design and technology.

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.

Employers may expect you to be registered in a safety passport scheme - see the Training section below for more details of schemes.

Training

You will be trained on the job by experienced staff. Your training will usually also include some formal courses at a training centre. You may also work towards one or more of the following qualifications:

• NVQ/SVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Gas Network Operations (Mains Laying, Service Laying or Craft)
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Gas Emergency Service Operations
• NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Gas Network Engineering Management (for engineers who have progressed to management).

See the Energy & Utility Skills website for more details and a list of training providers.

If you work for National Grid, you could take part in one of their structured training schemes, such as:

• the three-year apprenticeship for recent school leavers with four GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English
• the 18-month Graduate Development Programme for graduates with an engineering or business-related degree at class 2:1 or higher.

See the National Grid - Fresh Talent website for more information.

Many employers insist that you are registered in an appropriate safety passport scheme. Although this is not yet a legal requirement, it will be law by 2010. To register, you must hold an NVQ/SVQ or acceptable equivalent, and pass a health and safety assessment. The following safety passport schemes are suitable:

• Client/Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport – see Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) website for details of training and assessment centres
• Utility Safety Health and Environment Awareness (Gas) - see Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) website 
• Gas Network Operations (GNO) scheme – see EUSR website
• Construction Safety Certification Scheme (CSCS) - see CSCS website.

See the Further Information section below for all contact details.

Opportunities

As a gas distribution worker you could work anywhere in the UK. The major employer is National Grid. You could also work for a subcontracting company that carries out work for National Grid, or for a building company or contractor.

You could progress to become a team leader or a manager.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee gas distribution workers are likely to start on £11,000 a year.
After completing an apprenticeship this could rise to £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
More experienced gas distribution workers could earn up to £25,000 a year.

Further information

Blue Court
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration Team: 01923 402155 Tel: 0845 077 9922 National Grid House
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill
Warwick
CV34 6DA Tel: 0870 417 8777 Tel: 0870 8505262 Friars Gate Two
1011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922