Working for national grid...

[Ryster]

Just wondered if anybody had any information on how to get on with national grid and what it's like?Im in particular interested in doing the emergency response work and making safe of gas leaks.I've have a few engineers out to change meters and have worded them up about what it's like and most enjoy it, and more importantly to me, most have been working there for years, apart from a lad my age who had just started.So, other than on their site is there anyway of applying for these positions, I have all my domestic and commercial qualifications so think I cover that part.Just after general information before I seriously start trying to get on with them.

 

[tamz]

You would need to apply directly to NG, Transco or whoever although they do have some sub contractors working for them. Up here Turriff and Carillion do emergency stuff so you might get in through that route if you find out who is doing it down your way. Direct labour guys get up to 40K, subbies a lot less but still decent.
The qualifications required are in house stuff run by Advantica as ACS don't cover it although you still need basic ACS too.

 

[Ryster]

Thanks for that,So am I right in thinking that all my meter tickets and things are not specifically required as they will train me in house?Also I didn't realise that £40k was possible just attending domestic gas leaks and capping off? Carillion would be my easiest way in but I would prefer to work for national grid direct as the package seems to be better.Thanks for the help pal.

 

[tamz]

I didn't realise that £40k was possible just attending domestic gas leaks and capping off?

LOL. That is only a part of what they do

The stuff they do is not all domestic gas leaks and beeping CO detectors.
They cover everything from domestic to large industrial and outside escapes, fires, explosions etc. Anywhere there is gas and at any pressure. It can be quite scary stuff sometimes.
Along with your basic acs you also need cesp1 or codnesp1 which is a waste of a day really. Met tickets are needed too and tpcp1 would be handy. The other stuff is in house stuff as it relates to outside escapes and different things which is really good training.
The work is on shifts patterns including weekends.
I did it for a bit years back when the TSE's were doing a work to rule thing. You are not hard worked and it can be quite interesting work but quite stressful at times too.
I know a few guys still doing it and the money is good and it can be a job for life if you get in with the Grid.

 

[Ryster]

LOL. That is only a part of what they doThe stuff they do is not all domestic gas leaks and beeping CO detectors. They cover everything from domestic to large industrial and outside escapes, fires, explosions etc. Anywhere there is gas and at any pressure. It can be quite scary stuff sometimes.Along with your basic acs you also need cesp1 or codnesp1 which is a waste of a day really. Met tickets are needed too and tpcp1 would be handy. The other stuff is in house stuff as it relates to outside escapes and different things which is really good training.The work is on shifts patterns including weekends.I did it for a bit years back when the TSE's were doing a work to rule thing. You are not hard worked and it can be quite interesting work but quite stressful at times too.I know a few guys still doing it and the money is good and it can be a job for life if you get in with the Grid.

Haha!I appreciate £40k isn't just from going round joe bloggs house capping hisMeter off, but I didn't realise that much could be earned.Your last sentence was exactly what I'm interested in, I genuinely want to find an interesting job and be there for a good few years with a decent pension. I could get it where I am now, but the work is so mundane and boring that it's sending my head a bit west!I would love something different every day and believe the grid could offer this along with a job for a good few years.Once again thanks for the information, it's hard getting an unbiased view from people who already work there so appreciate yours,Thanks pal!

 

[tamz]

Good luck as it is hard to get in directly but it can be done.

 

[danielp]

i had a job on ph jones sub con most of the time you are sitting on the side of the road and its price per job some times you want to get carried and repair but you cant its a free service so you literally turn off and f off to put it simply if you want to further your knowledge this is not the route to go

 

[Pssst]

You can always take the money and "further your knowledge " :drunk:

 

[wazzer]

i had a job on ph jones sub con most of the time you are sitting on the side of the road and its price per job some times you want to get carried and repair but you cant its a free service so you literally turn off and f off to put it simply if you want to further your knowledge this is not the route to go

You didnt make much money sat at the side of the road I bet they were making money having you on call

 

[tamz]

Of course they were.
There can be times when everything is quiet and you have sat around all day (i just sat in the house) but there is always cones and barriers to check if you are bored out your skull.