This National Careers Week, Northern Gas Networks are focusing on the fantastic efforts of colleagues who keep 2.9 million homes and businesses safe, warm and connected – including brothers Russ and Joel Kaye who are both thriving thanks to our apprenticeship scheme.
After completing his Escape, Locate & Repair apprenticeship, Russ has enjoyed a range of varied roles at Northern Gas Networks – and is also in the final year of his Chartered Degree Management apprenticeship at University of Leeds.
His younger brother Joel is hoping to fully qualify as a Gas Network Craftsperson in a few months’ time.
The theme of National Careers Week 2025 is ‘You Can’ – and the siblings are a fantastic example of two Northern Gas Network colleagues who are proving this.
Our Gas Network colleagues are familiar faces across the North of England – working in all weathers to help shape the future of energy to prepare for the transition to net zero.
The Kaye brothers work on the Repex programme – replacing ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes – as well as getting involved in essential repair work and gas escapes.
Russ, who’s 33 and is an Operations Manager based out of the Elland depot, said: “I always wanted to be hands on and work doing something technical. I remember a schoolteacher told me about the Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship and it excited me. It was an opportunity to work across the network – I didn’t want a job which meant me going to the same place every single day.
“I left school at 16 and managed to get on the Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship scheme – I’d heard it was a really good place to work, and it is. I’ve had a range of roles in my time here, and each one has added to my skill set.
“Richard White, who’s a Business Operational Lead, gave me a lot of guidance and coaching which I’ll always be very grateful for – not just professionally, personally as well, he was phenomenal. All of the colleagues are so supportive, everyone looks after each other and there’s a really good team dynamic. I’ve got mates who joined when I told them how good the organisation is – and a younger brother too!
“I’m also in the 4th year of my university degree – it was something I’d wanted to do for a while. It’s hard work and there are some late nights writing up assignments, but it will be worth it in the end. I’ve always been really focused on adding to my skills and qualifications.”
Joel, who’s 28, works at the Pontefract depot and is nearing the completion of his four-year apprenticeship as a Gas Network Craftsperson.
He said: “I left school at 16 and did landscaping, then labouring but I wanted something with more of a career path. Russ kept encouraging me to apply for a Northern Gas Networks apprenticeship and said it was a really good place to work.
“I’ve learned so much over the four years and would recommend it to anybody. It’s serious training, hard work and there’s a lot to learn, but this type of apprenticeship gives you a really wide range of skills. Everyone is really helpful and approachable, they teach you how to use the skills you’re learning in practice. You can always ask questions too.”
Chris Adair, Apprenticeships and Training Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “For the UK to reach our climate targets, it’s absolutely essential that we help people understand the many benefits of our industry and its varied career options which are rewarding professionally, personally and financially.
“Russ and Joel are fantastic examples of the enormously skilled, committed and friendly colleagues who you’ll see carrying out essential work in our network in all weathers. National Careers Week is a great opportunity to celebrate Russ, Joel and all of our operational colleagues.
“An apprenticeship offers so much – you get to earn while you learn, you work with experienced and inspirational people and much more – and they set you up perfectly for future success.
“We’ve also got lots of other colleagues in our network and based at our various depots and offices who are part way through their apprenticeship journey, and I’d like to congratulate them too as they continue to work hard combining work and study. I look forward to them successfully completing their apprenticeships over the next few months and years.”
We’ll be opening applications for our next apprenticeships later this year – to find out more about our upcoming apprenticeship opportunities and how to apply email ngncareers@northerngas.co.uk
