Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Bishop Auckland (County Durham)

Join us and help be the energy behind the change. National Gas is the backbone of Britain's energy system. We’re responsible for securing the UK’s energy, whilst leading the way to a net‑zero future. This four‑year Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship is based at our Bishop Auckland Compressor Station, which is a key part of the National Gas Transmission network in the UK. It operates two gas turbine compression units and plays a vital role in the delivery of natural gas from coastal reception terminals to consumers across the country. You’ll develop the skills needed to help maintain the safe and reliable operation of the gas network.

National Gas runs the huge network of pipes that move gas around the UK, helping supply power stations, factories and around 23 million homes. As an apprentice, you become part of the team that keeps all of this running smoothly, which means your work actually helps keep the lights on and heating working for people across the country.

What You’ll Be Doing

To kick start your Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship with National Gas, you’ll begin your journey at college, developing the core mechanical principles and engineering fundamentals that will set you up for success. You’ll build confidence in areas like mechanical maintenance, engineering fitting and assembling mechanical components, giving you the grounding you need before bringing those skills to life out on site.

During the first eight months of your apprenticeship, you’ll spend Monday to Friday based full‑time at HETA College in either Grimsby or Hull, living and learning alongside apprentices from across the country. This weekday residential setup gives you focused time during the working week to grow your technical skills, build your confidence and learn as part of a supportive cohort – while still returning home at weekends. Throughout this time, you’ll stay closely connected with National Gas through regular check‑ins with your local team, making sure you feel supported and on track.

Once you complete this initial learning phase, you’ll return to site to put your knowledge into practice, gaining real hands‑on experience with our expert technicians. By the end of the programme, you’ll know how to inspect, repair and service the mechanical systems that keep our gas network running smoothly, from valves and pumps to rotating machinery and pipework. You’ll learn how to spot problems, fix faults and ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently. You’ll build a solid understanding of how our compressors, pipelines and other assets work to ensure the whole network can run at its best, all while learning to work safely in specialist environments.

You’ll build skills in:

• Maintaining pumps, valves, compressors and other mechanical equipment
• Fitting, assembling and taking apart mechanical components
• Using precision tools to measure, check and test machinery
• Finding mechanical faults using tools and data
• Understanding and following essential safety processes

One day you might be inspecting machinery, the next you might be replacing worn‑out parts or helping with upgrade work. You’ll be working with real equipment in real environments, and no two days will feel the same. We’ll work closely with you and your college to review your progress, providing regular feedback and guidance. You’ll have a personalised training plan that ensures you get the support and development you need throughout your apprenticeship.

About You

You’re eligible to apply from the age of 16. You’ll need to live within an hour's commute to the Bishop Auckland site. If you’re ready to kick‑start your career with top‑notch training and hands‑on experience, this is a great time to join National Gas. A willingness to learn and put yourself out there will be essential for making the most of this opportunity and give you the tools you’ll need to set yourself up for an exciting and long‑lasting career with us. This apprenticeship is perfect for someone who is proactive and thrives on ‘getting stuck in’. You’ll be curious about how things work and enjoy problem solving. You’ll take pride in your work and be excited by the opportunity to learn how we keep energy flowing safely and efficiently.

The Essentials

This is a 4‑year fixed‑term apprenticeship. To be considered for this scheme, you’ll need:

• 5 GCSEs grade 5‑9/C or above (predicted grades if you are yet to achieve) MUST include maths, English Language and science (or equivalent)
• A cover letter is essential to help us understand why you’re a great fit for the role.

You’ll need to be comfortable with travel and overnight stays. You’ll need to have permanent right to work in the UK for the entirety of this programme, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. As you’ll be working on Critical National Infrastructure, you’ll also need to pass enhanced National Security Vetting, meaning you’ll need to be able to provide a 5‑year UK address history. Your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.

What You Can Expect From Us

Starting annual salary of £24,242, with annual performance‑based increases. A generous holiday allowance of 26 days plus statutory bank holidays, with the option to buy and sell additional days (capped at 5 days). 2 paid days each financial year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause. A generous pension scheme with a double‑match contribution – if you contribute 6%, we’ll contribute 12%, helping you build a strong financial future. Professional development and career progression. Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day.

At National Gas, we pride ourselves on a supportive and collaborative work environment. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work‑life balance and support our employees in achieving it. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can perform at their best. Whether you’re starting out after school or looking to build on your existing experience, you’ll find an apprenticeship where you’re valued, supported, and encouraged from the moment you join. You’ll be mentored by experienced professionals and have opportunities to work on impactful projects. We ensure that you gain hands‑on experience, with opportunities for career advancement and professional development. We encourage all apprentices to take ownership of their journey.

The 'nice to knows'

You’ll start in a large cohort of other graduates and apprentices, where you’ll attend an in‑person induction in early September 2026, fostering strong workplace relationships that will build the foundation of your future networks. Your next steps… You’ll be offered additional support and guidance throughout the application process by our Early Careers team. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a human, every step of the way. You’re only able to apply for one of our apprenticeship schemes, so please consider this carefully. When reviewing your application, if we feel you might be a good fit for something else, we’ll be sure to let you know. If your online application is successful, you’ll be invited to complete a virtual solo‑interview. The final stage is then an in‑person Assessment with the team you’ll be joining at the Bishop Auckland Compressor Site, so please keep this in mind. Support is available towards travel costs if required. Applications close on Sunday 8th March 2026. Each year, we receive a large volume of applications, so we’d encourage you to apply early. At National Gas we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you require reasonable adjustments to complete the application process, please contact us at earlycareers@nationalgas.com.