Northern Gas Networks (NGN), has launched its latest Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme, looking to recruit a diverse range of young people to train with an innovative gas network putting the steps in place for a greener energy future.
The gas distributor for the North is a leading employer across Yorkshire, the North East and northern Cumbria, and relies on high-skilled engineers to safely deliver the gas supply to 2.7 million homes and businesses across the region.
NGN is committed to greening its gas network by exploring the use of hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas, supporting the Government’s Net Zero emissions target of 2050.
It also hopes to inspire people with a passion for problem-solving and technical innovation to apply for an engineering apprenticeship and fulfil their career potential.
Engineers are often the ‘friendly face’ of NGN, with customers remembering when they have had a positive experience with operatives working in their homes.
As well as an interest in low carbon energy technology, the gas distributor is looking for those with a ‘can do’ attitude who will enjoy working with customers, and for candidates from diverse backgrounds who haven’t considered a career in engineering before.
The opportunities on offer for 2021 are in maintenance and operations; engineering technician apprenticeships, and engineering fitter apprenticeships, and all will run for four years.
There are 15 full-time places on offer, all of which will develop apprentices’ existing strengths while teaching them new skills lending a firm foundation for a rewarding future career.
The salary for an apprentice is £16,000 and you must be 18-years-old with four GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Applicants need to be able to drive, but NGN will enable those who can’t to obtain a full drivers’ licence. The closing date for applications is Sunday 27th September.
Callum Dale completed his engineering apprenticeship and now works full-time with NGN.
He said: “The apprenticeship programme at NGN offers great flexibility, which allow individuals to gain valuable skills. It is so important to recruit young talent as they can bring new skills, ideas and energy into the business.
“I was incredibly lucky to have received a great deal of support during my apprenticeship and I believe that it provided me with a whole host of valuable expertise that I may not have had access to elsewhere.”
CEO Mark Horsley said: “This is a really exciting time to train as an engineer but also to work for NGN. We want to equip the next generation of our people with the skills to support a transition to a low-carbon energy future.
“The apprentices of 2021 will play an crucial role in helping our workforce be ready for net zero.”
Mark began his own career at 16 as an apprentice cable jointer with the then North Eastern Electricity Board in York.
Mark said: “I absolutely loved it. By the time I finished my four-year apprenticeship and began my first role as an electrical craftsman, I’d gained a strong technical grounding and had learnt a great deal about different processes and how things work.
“I thoroughly recommend considering an engineering apprenticeship; even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, the on-the-job training will give you transferable skills that you’ll find invaluable throughout your career.”
If you would like to find out more, please go to www.careers.northerngas.co.uk/vacancy-details/6060 for application details.
Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
