Gas mains layer

Gas networks operative (main laying)

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

Salary Range: £25,000 to £40,000

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 in gas industry network operations.

This will usually take 1 year 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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 will help,

You could also move from another utility, like water.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the gas industry from Talent Source Network.

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

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• checking technical drawings and plans to trace where you need to dig
• digging holes by hand or using mechanical digging equipment
• laying or repairing pipes and mains systems
• connecting homes and businesses to the network
• installing and maintaining gas pressure control equipment
• responding to emergency gas escapes
• filling in holes and repairing pavements and gardens once a job is complete

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

With experience, you could progress to team leader and possibly into management. 

With further study you could move into field or project engineering.