At Northern Gas Networks, we believe work experience should be more than just observing. It should inspire confidence, build skills and help young people see what their future could look like. That’s exactly what Sophie Reid, a 17 year old Year 13 student at Ripon Grammar School Sixth Form, did when she joined our work experience programme.
Studying Design and Technology (Product Design), Geography and Chemistry, Sophie spent a week exploring a wide range of teams across NGN, gaining insight into real careers. Her thoughtful feedback helped shape and improve our work experience programme for future students.
Here, Sophie shares her experience in her own words.
Discovering the Breadth of a Gas Distribution Network
Taking part in the work experience programme at Northern Gas Networks was super insightful! I had the opportunity to meet colleagues from across many departments at NGN, including innovation, social vulnerability, environment, management and the legal team.
It really makes you think about how many people with different specialisms are needed to help connect our region through gas pipelines. Everyone I met was enthusiastic about sharing what their role involved, as well as the future goals and aspirations of their department.
Learning Through Real World Challenges
I completed the programme alongside three other young people who attended different schools, sixth forms, universities and colleges. Together, we took part in tasks and challenges focused on real-life problem-solving, which is crucial to NGN’s day-to-day operations.
I really enjoyed meeting and working with people with different skills, experiences, and backgrounds. I’ve done work experience before, but for some of the others, this was their first time. I’m glad this experience was different from the others: less sitting around and watching, more interaction.
Like me, they found the application process really easy. Applying through a quick 10 minute online form felt straightforward, and support was great before, during and even after the experience.
Feeling Welcome from Day One
NGN did a brilliant job of making us feel welcomed and supported. We had the option to use the staff dining area or visit the nearby retail park for lunch. Refreshments were provided in the mornings, and we really looked forward to our morning coffee catch-up!
One highlight was attending a lunch with senior leaders. Many of them had spent a long time working at NGN, so they were able to offer really interesting perspectives and discuss how their careers had developed across different roles within the company.
Exploring Innovation, Sustainability and Social Impact
For me, the most interesting people to speak to were colleagues working in innovation, environment and social vulnerability. Their work focused on reducing inequality and on exploring ways to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of hydrocarbons, including research into using gas pipes for hydrogen in the future.
This really stood out to me and linked closely with my own interests in sustainability and geography.
How Work Experience Helped Shape My Future
Since completing my work experience at NGN, I’ve included it in my personal statements for university applications to Global Sustainable Development, Geography, and Planning courses. I’ve received all five offers, which I genuinely believe were strengthened by this experience.
I think this work experience is incredibly useful for choosing and applying for a wide range of courses, apprenticeships and jobs, especially because you get exposure to so many different departments that you can later reference in applications and covering letters.
Many colleagues also shared their contact details with us, offering support if we had questions after the programme or needed a reference, which felt really encouraging.
Why I’d Recommend NGN Work Experience Programme
There really is no reason not to take up the opportunity to do the one-week work experience at NGN. Travel costs are covered*, individual needs are accommodated, and everything feels well thought out. I see it as a real investment in my personal growth and future.
What stood out most to me was the genuine interest and effort shown by everyone I met. That experience has inspired me even more to work towards a career focused on helping people and protecting the environment.
A huge thank you to Sophie for her hard work, enthusiasm and valuable input into our work experience programme. Her feedback is helping us continue to create meaningful opportunities for young people starting out on their career journey.
If you’re a student looking to gain real world experience, explore different career paths and build confidence for the future, find out more about NGN work experience and apply today.