The standard now features a new network pipelines maintenance option, which complements the existing three options: electrical and instrumentation, pressure management and emergency response.
The revised occupational standard, written in conjunction with sector employers, has been published on the Institute for Apprenticeships’ website, alongside the revised end-point assessment plan. The funding band for this apprenticeship standard remains at £27,000 per apprentice. All new starts will now be assessed against the new plan.
End-point assessment allows apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours, so that they can complete their apprenticeship and access exciting career opportunities while playing an integral part in the future of the UK’s energy sector.
A Gas Network Craftsperson is employed by organisations authorised to transport gas from on-shore terminals through the United Kingdom’s approximately 286,000 kilometres (175,000 miles) of pipeline to 21.5 million gas users.
The safe operation, control and maintenance of the gas network is essential to avert major loss or interruption to supplies, this includes responding to and managing gas emergency situations to ensure potential safety issues are controlled and remediated without delay.
On successful completion of this apprenticeship, individuals will be eligible for membership and professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM).
The Gas Network Craftsperson apprenticeship is one of ten standards for which the EUIAS is approved to provide end-point assessment. At the time of writing, the number of apprentices that have completed end-point assessment with the EUIAS stands at 314.
For a list of the ten standards, visit the EUIAS website.