Young Innovators Council (YIC) is the voice of young people at Northern Gas Networks. It’s aim is to provide young people’s perspectives and help ensure young people’s thoughts and opinions are put at the heart of our decision making through meaningful and relevant engagement with our future customers.
We wanted to use this session to allow the panel to explore how access to opportunities varies across the UK. It was important for us to identify which types of activities genuinely make a difference to young people, and understand how impact changes depending on where activities are delivered. We wanted to gather views on whether focusing work in lower-opportunity areas is the right approach, and generate clear, practical insights to help NGN prioritise where and how to invest for maximum impact.
Visibility of Opportunities
You said many young people are unaware of the opportunities available to them, particularly in rural and lower-opportunity areas, and want clearer information about careers, apprenticeships and routes into employment.
We will increase awareness of career pathways through targeted education and outreach activities, helping young people understand the range of opportunities available within NGN and the wider energy sector, including apprenticeships, vocational routes and future green careers.
Long Term Engagement
You said that one-off visits have limited impact. Young people value sustained partnerships with schools and communities that build trust, confidence and lasting relationships.
We will focus on long-term, relationship-based engagement with schools, community groups and young people, providing ongoing opportunities to learn, participate and build confidence over time.
Practical and Relevant Education
You said that young people want practical, real-world learning that explains how energy networks work, what net zero means in everyday life, and how education links to future jobs.
We will deliver engaging, age-appropriate education activities that bring energy, sustainability and careers to life through practical examples, hands-on experiences and real-life role models from our industry.