Gas engineer

Gas engineers have a wide range of roles within the gas industry. They may specialise in the exploration, transmission or use of gas, or design equipment and facilities used to extract and store gas.

Work activities

Gas engineers have a wide variety of roles within the gas industry. Gas engineers who specialise in exploration design construct and maintain the terminals, equipment and facilities used to extract and store gas. Gas engineers use computer aided design (CAD) technology as the standard tool for designing safer and more efficient equipment and facilities. Gas engineers who deal with transportation and distribution are involved in many different activities, including pipeline design, construction and maintenance. Gas engineers who develop sections of the network may begin by building computer models of the new section. They examine local plans that show existing buildings, water pipelines and electricity cables. They notify the local authority, and any residents and shopkeepers who may be affected, and ensure that sufficient labour and materials are available. While work is in progress, the gas engineer visits the site and resolves any technical difficulties.

Gas supply specialists are responsible for either the control of gas flow or laying new pipelines and replacing existing ones. Some gas engineers are based in a control room where they monitor gas flow and pressure by means of visual display unit screens. They work on systems control, checking the compressor systems and valves that regulate the flow of gas throughout the UK. Gas engineers who specialise in gas usage have knowledge of gas burners, plant design, gas supply, combustion, thermodynamics and manufacturing processes. Some gas engineers visit manufacturing companies, hospitals and other large-scale gas users to advise on how they could use gas more efficiently. This involves conducting surveys of current fuel use and possibly comparing gas with other fuels. Where appropriate, gas engineers design and arrange for the installation of new equipment such as boilers or heating systems.

Personal qualities and skills

As a gas engineer, you need:

• An interest in maths, science and technology.
• To be able to solve problems, using a combination of logical, analytical thinking, as well as creativity and imagination.
• To be committed to keeping up to date with advances in this fast-changing area.
• An excellent grasp of modern technology, including the ability to use computers. For example, computer aided design (CAD) technology is increasingly used in design and research work.
• Organisational skills to plan your own time and to co-ordinate resources.
• A willingness to take on responsibility and to lead and motivate other people.
• To be able to work as part of a team.
• The ability to encourage other people’s ideas.
• To be flexible and able to compromise.
• Strong communication skills to write reports and to explain complex information to people from non-technical backgrounds.
• A thorough knowledge of safety legislation and procedures – safety is a very important issue in all areas of gas engineering.
• To be able to train and supervise other staff, such as technicians and craftspeople, making sure they are fully aware of safety legislation.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for gas engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities. According to job site Glassdoor, the average salary is between £30,000 and £41,000 per year.

Gas engineers usually work a full-time week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, standby rotas and some weekend work may be required. Gas engineers who work in gas extraction may spend up to two weeks at a time on board an offshore gas terminal.

Employers include gas distribution companies, contracting companies, gas appliance manufacturers and firms in the chemical and petroleum industries. Opportunities for gas engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

The organisations and companies responsible for distributing gas around the UK are currently part-way through a 30-year programme to replace old gas mains that are within 30 metres of a property. This large project helps to secure good employment prospects within the industry.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies and gas/energy organisations.

Entry routes and training 

Gas engineers usually complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND, such as offshore engineering, and mechanical or chemical engineering with an energy content. It’s essential to check prospectuses carefully to make sure the course you choose is relevant to the branch of engineering you want to follow.

A number of level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship programmes may be relevant to this role:

• Gas engineering operative
• Marine engineer

Some graduates join graduate training schemes, which offer structured training and experience. Depending on their level of entry, engineers can gain chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry. To register as a CEng or an IEng, you must join a relevant, professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council, such as the Energy Institute. To become a CEng or an IEng, you need to demonstrate the appropriate competence and commitment. The standards for this are set out in the Engineering Council’s website.

Depending on their qualification, gas engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

To enter a relevant degree course in engineering, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs in your A level subjects at grades 9-4.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Maths and a science or technology subject, e.g. physics or chemistry, are normally required at A-level.

English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE at grades 9-4.

Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are often accepted. Check prospectuses carefully.

To get onto a level 3 apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Information on pathways to registration as a chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) engineer can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.

Related careers

• Energy engineer
• Engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Maritime engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Offshore engineer