Jo Lumsden always knew she wanted to be an engineer. Growing up, she spent time fixing motorbikes with her dad, a passion that would later shape her future career.
Today, Jo is a Gas Network Craftsperson and team leader at our Burradon depot in Newcastle. Having successfully completed a Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship, she’s quickly progressed and is thriving in the business.
Like many aspiring engineers, Jo wasn’t always sure how to turn her ambition into a career, until she spotted an apprenticeship opportunity with NGN.
Building a Career Through an Apprenticeship
Jo completed her apprenticeship last year and is now a key part of our operational team, helping deliver gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the north of England.
Her journey highlights how apprenticeships can open doors, providing hands-on experience, qualifications and long-term career opportunities.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry hasn’t held Jo back. Instead, she’s using her role to inspire others and challenge outdated perceptions.
She said: “I like to think of myself as someone women and girls looking to join the engineering industry can look up to. I’ve achieved something I didn’t believe I could when I was younger.
“If you think you’re capable enough, and you’re willing to learn, you can do it. And I hope to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers.
“When I tell people I’m a gas engineer, people always assume I’m only fixing boilers. When I tell them about what my role involves, they’re impressed and think it’s really cool, and I enjoy telling them about how gas actually reaches their homes.”
No Two Days are the Same
One of the things Jo enjoys most about her role is the variety and challenge it brings.
“I love that every day is different, with new challenges every day. Yesterday’s solution to a problem might not be tomorrow’s solution, which keeps you on your toes.”
From problem-solving on site to leading a team, her role combines technical expertise with leadership – showing just how diverse a career in gas engineering can be.
Taking the Leap into an Apprenticeship
Before joining NGN, Jo was working in a pub when she came across an apprenticeship advert that changed everything.
Now, she encourages others to take that same step:
“If anyone is unsure about applying for an apprenticeship with Northern Gas Networks, I would say ‘go for it’.
“I hope I’m now with Northern Gas Networks for the rest of my career. I’d be proud and happy if I was. I didn’t think you could get a company this big that look after you the way they do. All of my colleagues have been brilliant, I can’t thank them enough – they want you to learn as much as you want to learn.
“I feel like every day I’m proving that the old stereotypes no longer exist.”
Start your Own Journey with a Northern Gas Networks Apprenticeship
Inspired by Jo’s story? Discover how you can kickstart your career in engineering with one of our apprenticeships.
Explore our apprenticeships and apply now