Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is looking for talented, inquisitive 14-19 year olds who are passionate about helping to shape a fairer, greener future to join its award-winning Young Innovators Council (YIC) – a fantastic opportunity which will help any CV or application stand out!
NGN delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England – and its YIC offers young people the opportunity to discuss social and environmental issues and challenges important to them, and to challenge NGN to make decisions mindful of future generations.
NGN teamed up with the social enterprise Solutions for the Planet to launch the YIC in 2020, and continues to partner with them to ensure its decisions reflect the views of its future customers and colleagues.
The YIC’s insight tells NGN what matters to their customers of the future, such as climate change, sustainability, the transition to net zero and the ongoing challenges linked to the cost of living.
It’s a key part of the organisation’s comprehensive programme of engagement with stakeholders. Recently, the YIC’s feedback helped shape NGN’s Business Plan for 2026-2031 which outlines a fairer, greener future for the North of England.
Previous members of the YIC have progressed to join NGN’s Independent Stakeholder Group (ISG). The ISG challenges NGN on whether it is delivering on the commitments set out in its business plan, representing customers and further helping to shape the organisation’s future – and in turn, membership of the YIC enhances and improves the members’ key skills such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking.
Jenny Wilkinson, Stakeholder Engagement and Research Lead at NGN, said: “We’re very excited to open the latest application process to join the YIC. There are so many bright and passionate people across our region, and we’re proud and fortunate to be able to offer an opportunity to work together and embed future customer voices into our decisions.
“They challenge us by turning insights into influence and action, and help us future-proof our organisation, ensuring we remain sustainable and resilient.
“Many members stay in the YIC through their GCSEs, A-Levels, UCAS applications and apprenticeship schemes. Being a YIC member looks fantastic on a CV, and we can’t wait to meet the next applicants.”
Claire Fitton, Youth Insights Manager at Solutions for the Planet, said: “NGN has been an early adopter in truly embedding youth insight. Working with NGN to recruit, support and facilitate this panel of brilliant young minds has shown what’s possible when businesses truly listen to and learn from the next generation.”
YIC member Emilia Sample said: “I feel like my voice has definitely been heard at NGN, and being on the YIC has given me lots of skills to take forward in my career. I’ve learned to listen and communicate clearly, my public speaking has improved and I’ve learned how to collaborate too.”
The YIC was recently Highly Commended in the ‘Innovation in Customer Engagement’ at the Engage Awards which celebrate organisations that prioritise and harness engagement, building loyalty and long term success.
Applications for the Young Innovators Council are open until Wednesday 14 January 2026 – but get your applications in asap, as interviews will be starting week commencing Monday 12 January!
To apply, you must live or study in NGN’s area (Yorkshire, northern Cumbria or north east England), be curious about STEM, society, innovation, and future energy solutions and be passionate about shaping a fairer, greener world.
Being a valued member of the YIC will involve attending online sessions held outside school/college hours and joining interactive discussions with senior leaders at NGN and other YIC members. You will receive formal recognition of your participation for use in UCAS and apprenticeship/job applications.
For more information and to apply, complete this short form
For any questions email the Solutions for the Planet team at youthinsights@solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk