Gas Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Gas

Introduction

Gas engineers work in a variety of roles in the exploration, production, transmission, distribution and use of gas.

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Work Activities

Gas engineers work in a range of roles related to extracting and treating gas and installing and maintaining the networks which get it from its source to customers.

Gas engineers who specialise in exploration design, construct and maintain terminals, equipment and facilities used to extract and store gas. They use computer-aided design (CAD) technology as the standard tool for designing safer and more efficient rigs.

Engineers who deal with transporting and distributing gas are involved in many different activities, which include designing, constructing and maintaining pipelines. They also design and develop new sites.

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/council, and any residents and shopkeepers who may be affected, and ensure that sufficient labour and materials are available. While work is in progress, the engineer visits the site to resolve 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 on computers.

Engineers also work on systems control, checking the compressor systems and valves that regulate the flow of gas throughout the UK.

Some engineers who specialise in gas usage visit manufacturing companies, hospitals and other large scale gas users to advise on how they may use gas more efficiently.

This involves conducting surveys of current fuel use and possibly comparing gas with other fuels. Where appropriate, engineers design and arrange for the installation of new equipment such as boilers or heating systems.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be a gas engineer, you should be interested in maths, science and technology. You must be able to solve problems, combining logical, analytical thinking and creativity and imagination. You should also be committed to keeping up to date with advances in this fast changing area.

Gas engineers need an excellent grasp of technology, including IT skills. For example, you will use computer-aided design (CAD) technology in design and research work.

You will need organisational skills to plan your own time and to co-ordinate resources. Willingness to take on responsibility and to lead and motivate others is also essential.

Gas engineers must be able to work as part of a team. The ability to encourage other people's ideas is important, and you must also be flexible and able to compromise. You will need strong communication skills to write reports and to explain complex information to people from non-technical backgrounds.

Safety is a very important issue in all areas of gas engineering. You should have a thorough knowledge of safety legislation and procedures. You must be able to train and supervise other staff, such as technicians and craftspeople, making sure they are fully aware of safety procedures.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for gas engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Gas engineers earn in the range of £21,500 - £26,000 a year, rising to £32,000 - £42,000. Higher earners can make around £50,000 a year and higher salaries are possible.

Gas engineers usually work around 35-40 hours Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, stand by rotas and some weekend work may be required.

Engineers who work in gas extraction may spend up to two weeks at a time on board an offshore gas terminal.

Employers include British Gas, Advantica, the National Grid, contracting companies, gas appliance manufacturers and firms in the chemical and petroleum industries.

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Adult Opportunities

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 (eg, 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.

Other pathways to registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer include career progression and routes based on the achievement of Occupational Standards.

• 6% of people in occupations such as gas engineer work part-time.
• 10% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.