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GAS UTILITY OPERATOR |
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Select Alternate Year - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009
There have been no changes to this trade in the year of 2009.
Gas utility operators install and service gas utility pipeline systems that transport natural gas from its source to points of use such as building meter sets.
Gas utility systems include:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another but, in general, gas utility operators:
Gas utility operators work at physically demanding tasks both indoors and outdoors. Operators usually work a 40-hour week but overtime may be required to deal with emergencies or to meet construction deadlines. Some jobs are seasonal.
Working with explosive gases and power tools can be dangerous. To avoid injury, gas utility operators must follow safety codes and regulations and, during emergency situations, follow the specified procedures.
The work appeals to people who enjoy being physically active, and working with little direction or supervision from others.
To be successful in the occupation, gas utility operators need:
Gas utility operators are employed by gas utility and distribution companies, and companies that contract services to them.
The employment outlook for gas utility operators is expected to remain stable with most job openings occurring as a result of employee turnover. However, turnover rates within gas utility companies are relatively low.
Experienced gas utility operators earn from $12 to $28 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced operators may advance to supervisory positions, but further advancement opportunities are limited.
A certificate is not required to work as a gas utility operator in Alberta. This is a designated occupation and participation is voluntary.
Job skills and competencies, standards of performance and training programs for gas utility operators have been defined and approved under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act.
Trainees who register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in occupational training and achieve the established standards of performance are awarded an Alberta Occupational Certificate.
A person who holds a certificate or document from another jurisdiction for a line of work that is much the same as Alberta’s Gas Utility Operator occupation may apply for occupational certification.
A person who has no formal training in the gas utility operator occupation but can prove that their skills and work experience meet the standards set for the occupation in Alberta may apply for occupational certification.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, a document indicating that the individual holds a certificate that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate, or a certificate that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of training for a gas utility operator is a minimum of 24 months including at least 3,400 hours of work experience.
To learn the skills required for an Alberta Occupational Certificate as a gas utility operator, a person must:
There is no minimum education requirement, but it is recommended that applicants have Mathematics 10, Science 10, and English 10.
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or people who already have related training or experience (e.g., gasfitters).
Prospective gas utility operators may be first hired as labourers and, if their work is satisfactory, offered trainee positions when they become available.
When trainees attend formal training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
To qualify for an Alberta Occupational Certificate based on a certificate issued by another jurisdiction, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Occupational Certificate based on skills and work experience that meet Alberta standards for the occupation, a person must:
- a certified gasfitter (A) must have at least 2,850 hours and 18 months of 'hands-on' work experience as a gas utility operator
- a certified gasfitter (B) must have at least 3,975 hours and 18 months of 'hands-on' work experience as a gas utility operator
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as 'hands-on' work experience.
