Gas mains layer

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

Also known as: Gas networks operative, gas engineer assistant

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£38,000 a year
• Typical hours40 to 45 a week

What you'll do

As a gas mains layer, you'll:

• read technical drawings to trace where you need to dig
• dig trenches by hand or with mechanical diggers
• lay or repair pipes and mains networks
• connect homes and businesses to the network
• install and maintain gas pressure control equipment
• respond to emergency gas leaks and cut supply to damaged areas
• restore roads and pavements 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.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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 a Gas Industry Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take around 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

Direct application

You can apply directly to gas distribution companies for trainee positions. Most employers will expect you to have some 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 can also move into mains laying after working on other utility networks, like electricity and water.

Career path and progression

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

You could also become a gas network craftsperson, installing and monitoring safety instruments and equipment.

With further training you could move into:

• gas mains engineering
• roadworks and construction
• utility surveying

Guides for this industry

• Construction & Trades: pay, interviews and getting started →

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• Job roleGas service technician
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• Job roleWater network operative
• Job roleElectricity distribution worker
• Job roleRoad worker

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