Choosing a future career can feel daunting, especially if you’re not sure what opportunities are out there or how to take your first step into the world of work.
That is why Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has launched an exciting, fully accredited work experience programme, designed to help young people in West Yorkshire build real skills, confidence and experience for what comes next.
Taking place at NGN’s head office in at Thorpe Park in Leeds, this one‑week programme offers much more than traditional work experience. Co-designed by young people, it focuses on hands-on projects, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving, giving students genuine insight into careers in STEM and beyond.
This summer, NGN is inviting young people to Design Your Future.
A Different Kind of Work Experience in West Yorkshire
This programme isn’t about shadowing or watching from the sidelines. Starting on Monday,27 July 2026, participants will spend a week immersed in the working life of a major UK energy company. Students will be contributing ideas, solving challenges and working together as a team.
The programme has been co‑created by members of NGN’s Young Innovators Council, ensuring it reflects what young people want and need from work experience today.
It’s built around one clear idea: design thinking, real careers and real impact.
Explore Careers in STEM and Beyond
Northern Gas Networks plays a vital role in keeping communities across the North of England safe, warm and connected, whilst also preparing its network for a greener, net-zero future.
Throughout the week, participants will explore a wide range of roles across the business, including:
- Engineering and operations
- Net zero and sustainability
- Communications and digital
- Customer experience
- Business and support functions
For students interested in careers in STEM, this is a chance to see how technical, environmental and problem‑solving skills are applied in real life. Our work experience programme will give young adults insight into how those roles make a genuine difference to customers and communities.
Accessible, Accredited and Open to Everyone
This Northern Gas Networks work experience programme is fully accredited by Industrial Cadets, managed by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), and aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks for high‑quality careers guidance.
No experience. No connections required.
NGN is keen to reach young people who may not otherwise have access to professional networks or traditional work experience opportunities. Applications are open to anyone with curiosity, enthusiasm and potential.
All reasonable travel expenses are covered*, helping to ensure this work experience in West Yorkshire remains accessible to as many young people as possible.
Building Confidence for the Future
Young people who successfully complete the programme will leave with:
- Accredited, transferable workplace skills
- Increased confidence and self‑belief
- New professional connections
- Insight into future education, training and career pathways
Roxanne Allen, our Talent Development Manager, said:
“As an organisation based in the heart of the region we serve, we’re committed to investing in our northern communities and giving young people access to opportunities that help develop essential skills for their future careers.
This programme offers meaningful, project‑based work experience that helps students build confidence, teamwork and problem‑solving skills to support their future education and career choices.”
What You’ll Do on the Programme
Over the course of the week, students will:
- Build practical skills employers look for, including teamwork, communication and presentation
- Tackle real‑world business challenges using problem‑solving techniques used by major organisations
- Work collaboratively rather than just observing
- Meet colleagues from across NGN and learn about different career paths
- Gain a recognised Industrial Cadets Silver digital badge to support CVs, college, apprenticeship and university applications
What Does Our Work Experience Week Look Like?
Across the five days, participants will take part in interactive sessions designed to build confidence and capability, including:
- Health & safety demonstrations and insight into NGN’s operational work
- Problem‑solving challenges focused on customers and communities
- Sessions with apprentices, graduates and early-career colleagues
- Opportunities to share ideas and learn from NGN’s innovation and net zero teams
Each day builds skills step‑by‑step, helping young people grow in confidence while gaining a real understanding of working life.
Inspired by Real Experience
Sophie Reid, a student at Ripon Grammar School Sixth Form and a member of NGN’s Young Innovators Council, helped co‑design the programme and previously completed work experience at NGN.
She said:
“My work experience with NGN really was an investment in my personal growth and future.
I was able to get involved in environmental research, looking at how the gas network could be used to transport greener energy. That experience inspired my future studies, and I mentioned it in my university applications, which helped me receive five offers.”
Design Your Future
If you’re aged 15–18 and looking for meaningful, accredited work experience in West Yorkshire, this is your opportunity to explore real careers, gain confidence and build skills for the future.
You don’t need experience, confidence or connections, just curiosity and ambition.
👉 Design Your Future. Learn more and apply now here on the Northern Gas Networks website.
Applications close 19 June 2026.
*Travel expenses covered in line with programme criteria.
Our Work Experience at a Glance
- Who: Young people aged 15–18 (no previous experience needed)
- Where: Northern Gas Networks Head Office, Thorpe Park Business Park, Leeds (LS15 8TU)
- When: Monday 27 – Friday 31 July 2026
- Time: 09:30–16:30 each day
- Travel: All reasonable travel expenses covered*
- Accreditation: Industrial Cadets Silver digital badge (awarded within 14 days of completion)
- Eligibility: Applicants living within 20 miles of NGN’s Leeds head office (Thorpe Park)