1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Gas mains layer

Gas mains layer

Alternative titles for this job include Gas networks operative, gas engineer assistant

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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

More Information

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.

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
  • 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

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

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.

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

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: PRESTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 13 March 2025
  • Location: PRESTON

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.