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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 Instead, she’s using her role to inspire others and challenge outdated perceptions.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 

Abi Richardson is a Network Maintenance Craftsperson apprentice with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and lives in Kellington, North Yorkshire. As a mum to Lilly and Cooper, she balances family life alongside her apprenticeship and is also studying towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering. 

A Career Change Driven by Ambition 

Before joining NGN, Abi worked in childcare and healthcare and qualified as a Nursing Associate through the University of Huddersfield during the pandemic. While she enjoyed caring for people, she was looking for a new challenge and a career that offered more variety, practical problem-solving and opportunities for development. 

Abi said: “I wanted a change in career and was looking for something that would challenge me. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and learning new skills, and I wanted a career where I could develop and really excel. Engineering offered exactly that.” 

Taking the Leap into Gas Engineering 

After seeing an opportunity to apply for a Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship, Abi decided to take a chance on a completely different career path. 

“It was a big step moving from healthcare into engineering, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. The apprenticeship has opened doors I never expected and given me opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.” 

Life on the Gas Distribution Network: A Hands-On Role 

Abi works on a wide range of assets on the network, which supplies and delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England. 

Her role includes: 

• Carrying out functional checks and maintenance 

• Ensuring gas pressure is regulated safely and reliably 

• Undertaking inspections, fault finding and remedial work 

The role often involves practical engineering tasks such as replacing bolts and fittings, cutting and threading pipework, installing and updating safety signage and carrying out repairs to ensure all equipment remains safe, compliant and operational. 

Responding to Customers When It Matters Most 

Alongside planned maintenance work, Abi has also taken part in on-call rotas, responding to gas-related alarms, reported faults and emergency call-outs, alongside experienced colleagues. 

“A lot of people don’t realise how much work goes on behind the scenes to maintain the gas network. I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of activities, from planned maintenance work to responding to alarms and faults when people need our help. 

“Some jobs are straightforward, while others require you to investigate a problem, think on your feet and work through different solutions. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about engineering. 

“Being part of the on-call rota has been one of the most rewarding parts of the apprenticeship because every call-out is different and you’re helping to keep people safe. No two jobs are ever the same, every site is different and there’s always something new to learn.” 

Learning While You Earn 

The apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on experience with technical training and classroom-based learning. Alongside her apprenticeship, Abi is studying towards her HNC in Mechanical Engineering. 

“The apprenticeship allows me to learn while working, which has been invaluable. I’m developing technical knowledge, practical skills and gaining real-world experience every day.” 

For Abi, one of the biggest attractions of engineering is the variety. 

“No two days are ever the same. One day I could be carrying out maintenance work, another day responding to a fault or alarm, supporting a project, working on network assets or learning a completely new skill. That’s exactly what I was looking for when I decided to change careers.” 

Breaking the Stereotypes of Engineering 

When people learn about Abi’s role, they are often surprised. 

“When I tell people I’m a gas engineer, they don’t always expect it. Engineering has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated industry, but my experience has shown that what matters most is your attitude, willingness to learn and ability to work as part of a team.” 

Like many people entering the industry, Abi had concerns before she started. 

“I wondered whether I’d be physically capable of some aspects of the role. What I quickly realised is that engineering isn’t just about strength. It’s about teamwork, communication, technical knowledge and problem solving. Everyone supports each other and works together to get the job done.” 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Gas 

Abi hopes that sharing her story will encourage more women to consider careers in engineering. 

“I’d love to see more women join the industry. There are still misconceptions about what engineering involves, but my experience has shown that it’s a career open to anyone who is willing to learn and work hard. 

“I’d like more women and girls to see engineering as a genuine career option. There are so many opportunities available, and you shouldn’t let the old stereotypes influence your choices. If you’re interested in practical work, problem solving and learning new skills, engineering can be an incredibly rewarding career. 

“If you want that opportunity, just go for it. Changing careers can feel daunting, but you never know what you’re capable of until you take that first step.” 

Balancing Work, Study and Family Life 

Alongside the challenges of a Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship and further study, Abi has also balanced family life as a parent to two children. 

“I’ve gained confidence, developed new skills and grown as a person since joining NGN. The support from my colleagues has been fantastic throughout my apprenticeship. 

“In particular, Dave Martinson has been incredibly supportive. As a mum, there have been times when balancing work, study and family life has been challenging. Cooper has additional needs, and during some particularly difficult periods, Dave and the wider team have been understanding, supportive and flexible when I needed it most. 

“Knowing you have that support around you makes a huge difference. It allows you to focus on both your family and your career, and it’s something I’ve been incredibly grateful for.” 

An Opportunity for Transformation 

Looking back on her journey so far, Abi is proud of how far she has come and excited about what the future holds. 

“This apprenticeship has changed my life. I’ve found a career that I genuinely enjoy, I’ve developed skills and confidence that I never knew I had, and I’ve been supported every step of the way. I’m proud to be part of Northern Gas Networks and proud to help show that engineering is a career for everyone. 

“If sharing my story encourages even one woman or girl to consider a career in engineering, then it will have been worthwhile.” 

To find out more about a Northern Gas Networks Apprenticeship and apply for our 2026 opportunities, click here.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is proud to launch our latest apprenticeship opportunities, opening the door to a wide range of exciting careers across our network.

Whether you’re leaving school, changing direction, or looking for a hands-on route into a long-term career, this opportunity is for you.

Our apprenticeships offer the chance to earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and make a real difference, keeping communities safe and connected.

This year’s apprenticeship campaign is all about breaking the stereotype. We’re challenging outdated perceptions of who works in our industry and showing that there’s a place for everyone at NGN.

Northern Gas Networks Apprenticeship: What to Expect

We’ve opened applications for multiple apprenticeship roles across Northern Gas Networks, with opportunities becoming available in locations right across our network. The roles currently available are:

Customer Engineer Gas Apprentice: a frontline role where you don’t just make situations safe, you make sure customers aren’t left to cope alone. You’ll be there when customers need help the most, responding to gas emergencies and making homes safe.

Electrical Engineering Apprentice – Gas Networks: working as part of our engineering teams to maintain, repair and install the electrical systems that keep our gas network running safely and efficiently.

The experience our apprentices can expect is high-quality training, ongoing support from experienced colleagues, and the opportunity to build skills that last a lifetime.

Breaking the Stereotype, and Widening Opportunities

For too long, careers in gas and engineering have been shaped by outdated assumptions about who belongs in the industry. At NGN, we’re actively working to change that.

Our apprenticeship programme is designed to remove barriers, build confidence and unlock potential. This is particularly key for people who may not see themselves represented in traditionally technical roles. We are especially keen to hear from women considering an apprenticeship. Also, we want to hear from anyone who might not have previously viewed the energy sector as a career option.

If you’re curious, motivated and ready to learn, an NGN apprenticeship could be the right first step for you.

Claire Allcock, our HR Director, said:

“Apprenticeships are absolutely vital to the future of Northern Gas Networks and the energy industry as a whole. They allow people to gain valuable skills, earn while they learn, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Regardless of background or prior experience.

We know there is incredible untapped talent out there. Particularly among women and those who may not have previously considered a career in our industry. Our apprenticeship programme is about opening doors, breaking down stereotypes and giving people the opportunity to build a secure, meaningful and long-term career with us.”

A Proven Pathway into a Long-Term Career

Delivering a high-quality apprenticeship programme takes more than opportunities alone. It requires the right training structure, skilled mentors and real-world experience from day one. At NGN, apprentices are embedded into operational teams, learning directly from colleagues who understand what it takes to succeed on the job.

That hands-on approach is central to how the programme is designed and delivered. Chris Adair, our Apprenticeships & Training Manager, works closely with apprentices throughout their journey and sees first-hand how practical experience, combined with structured support, prepares people for long-term careers in the energy sector. He said:

“Apprenticeships are the future of Northern Gas Networks. They give people the opportunity to earn while they learn, work alongside experienced colleagues, and build the skills they need for long-term success.

“What we see time and time again is how confidence grows once people realise they don’t need prior experience. Just the right attitude and the right support.

“Our apprentices are already making a real impact across our network, and we’re incredibly proud of the talent coming through.”

Ready to Take the First Step?

Learn more about our apprenticeship scheme here: https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/

You don’t need to fit the stereotype. You just need to start.