Job market information
Finding out about gas transmission, distribution and utilisation
The gas industry is part of the energy and utility sector, represented by the Energy and Utility Sector Skills Council, which also includes: power; waste management; and water. The UK energy and utility sector employs an estimated 536,200 people.
The gas industry covers the activities associated with the distribution of gas and the fitting/maintenance of gas equipment within a customers’ property. The gas industry can be split into:
- Transmission and distribution of gas – consisting of the transportation of gas from the beach terminals through the National Transmission System, into the Local Distribution System, and then up to, and including, the main control valve adjacent to the customers’ property. Plus, the storage and re‐gasification of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), following its importation, the manufacture and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other bottled gases and the operation and maintenance of network infrastructure (e.g. pipe laying, repair, maintenance and storage).
- Utilisation of gas – consisting of all activities which take place on the customers’ side of the main control valve (including the meter). The major element of this sub‐sector is gas fitters/installers (i.e. Gas Safe registered gas installers).
Key facts:
- There are 142,200 people employed in the industry, which includes:
- 18,500 working in gas transmission and distribution, including an estimated 1,000 self‐employed
- 123,700 working in gas utilisation
- 27% of the gas transmission and distribution workforce is female.
- In gas transmission and distribution, women are concentrated in administrative and secretarial, sales and customer service roles.
- The age profile of the gas utilisation industry is significantly older than average, with almost half of the workforce being aged over 45 years and one‐quarter aged under 34 years old.
- Around 600 new workers per year will be required by the industry between 2008 and 2017.
Jobs in the industry range from:
- Operatives – Assistant to a Team Leader (under instruction)
- Team Leader Main Layer – Installing and maintaining main gas pipe work
- Team Leader Service Layer – Installing and maintaining pipe work from a main gas pipe to the meter.
- Technician – Controls resources and also involved in complex technical jobs
Entry and progression
It is recommended that entrants apply directly to an employer and to secure employment or work experience. This can be supplemented with training such as an S/NVQ or college based qualifications that could lead to a nationally recognised qualification. There are a range of industry endorsed courses and foundation degrees, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes available to those wishing to enter the industry. In general, the industry prefers to recruit a more experienced and mature individuals into, what can be, dangerous roles and situations.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
142,200, including an estimated 1,000 who are self-employed |
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| Gender: |
27% of the gas transmission and distribution workforce is female. |
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| Around 25% of managerial employees are female, compared to around 34% across the UK. |
| 67% of those in administrative and secretarial occupations are female. |
| Only 17% of professionals and 29% of associate professionals are female |
| Age: |
Almost half of the workforce are over 45 years. |
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| 25% aged under 34 years. |
| The age profile of the gas utilisation industry is significantly older than the average UK workforce. |
| Disability: |
A small proportion of the energy and utilities sector workforce report having a disability. |
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| Ethnicity: |
An estimated 93‐96% of the energy and utilities sector workforce is white. |
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[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry, 2007, CORGI Register, 2006 and Census of Population, 2001.]
Employment trends and future prospects
In 2002 the three companies that distribute gas around England (National Grid, Wales West Utilities and Northern Gas Networks) started a 30‐year programme to replace the old iron gas mains that are within 30 metres of a property. This is a huge investment programme for the industry, which will replace in the region of 3,000km of pipeline each year through to 2032.
Around 600 new workers per year will be required by the gas utilisation industry between 2008 and 2017 and that 18% of these will be graduates.
Skill requirements and shortages
The main skill shortages that exist in the gas (transmission and distribution) industry at the moment are for gas engineers, both at Chartered level (NVQ level 4) and maintenance/ installation levels (NVQ level 3).
Due to the lack of graduates and other suitably skilled people looking for employment in the industry, it is unlikely that these skills shortages will be resolved.
Skills shortages are particularly severe at the moment due to the age profile of the existing workforce and the workforce requirements of the 30‐year iron gas mains replacement programme.
Occupational trends
The occupations where demand for new recruits will be largest include: emergency first call operatives; repair team leaders; operations first line managers; and maintenance crafts persons. There is evidence to suggest that individuals will need to be recruited to some of the higher‐level technical and engineering occupations, as a high number of workers are due to retire within the next 10‐to‐15 years. Replacements may be difficult to find in sufficient numbers.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are around 1,000 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in a very small number of companies. Just over 12,000 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 5,700 companies.
East of England – There are around 2,500 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a very small number of companies. 9,700 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 4,300 companies. Many of the industry’s contractors/supply chain are based in the region, making it strategically important to the industry.
London – There are around 1,500 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a very small number of companies. 11,100 workers are also employed in the gas (downstream) industry in 5,200 companies.
North East – There are around 1,000 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a very small number of companies. 5,100 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 1,800 companies.
North West – There are around 1,500 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a small number of companies. 14,900 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 5,800 companies.
South East – There are around 3,500 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a small number of companies. 10,600 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 5,000 companies.
South West – There are around 1,500 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the South West region in a very small number of companies. 20,200 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 7,800 companies.
West Midlands – There are around 4,000 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the West Midlands region in a small number of companies. Around 11,000 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 4,400 companies.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are around 2,000 people employed in the gas (Transmission and Distribution) industry in the region in a small number of companies. Around 11,000 workers are also employed in the gas (Utilisation) industry in 4,400 companies.
Salary levels
Average basic salaries (excluding overtime and bonuses) for a selection of occupations found in the gas industry include:
- Civil engineer £38,000
- Commercial gas engineer £30,000
- Pipe fitters £32,000
- Emergency services engineers £30,000
- Mains layer £30,000
- Operatives £24,000
Starting salaries for young people and graduates entering the gas industry range from £16,000 to £25,000. Upon completion of training these salaries can increase to between £26,000 and £40,000, depending upon the occupation.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using EU Skills AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
