Control and Instrumentation Apprenticeship (Peterborough/Huntingdon/Hatton)

Based in Peterborough I Huntingdon I Hatton 
Course: Level 3 Control and Instrumentation
Programme Length: 4 years
Provider: HETA

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 Control and Instrumentation Apprenticeship is based at one of our compressor sites in the East region, depending on your location. 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 Control & Instrumentation apprenticeship with National Gas, you’ll begin your journey at college, building the engineering principles and technical understanding that will set you up for success. You’ll focus on the fundamentals behind electrical systems, control systems and instrumentation, looking at the technology that monitors, protects and controls how gas moves across our network. This solid foundation will prepare you for the hands‑on experience to come, where you’ll work alongside skilled technicians and play a key part in keeping our sites running safely and reliably.

During the first ten 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 confidence and learn as part of a supportive cohort, while still returning home at weekends. Throughout this period, you’ll stay closely connected with National Gas through regular check‑ins with your local team, ensuring you feel supported and on track. After completing this initial learning phase, you’ll return to site to put your knowledge into practice, developing real hands‑on experience with our expert technicians.

By the end of the programme, you’ll know how to fix, test and look after the control and monitoring systems that keep our gas sites running safely. You’ll learn how to use different types of instrumentation, like pressure, flow and temperature sensors and understand how they help us check what’s happening across the network to make sure everything is working as it should.

You’ll also learn how the bigger parts of our system, from compressors to pipelines, work together, and how the right control signals help keep the whole network running smoothly. As you train, you’ll get used to working safely in specialist areas, following the essential processes that protect everyone on site.

You’ll develop skills in:

• Using modern control systems and digital monitoring tech to understand what’s happening on site
• Carrying out routine checks and maintenance on control panels, instruments and electrical equipment
• Working with pressure, flow and temperature sensors to see how the gas network is performing
• Finding and fixing problems using testing tools, computer data and system readouts
• Learning and following the safety steps that keep you and others protected, including risk assessments

You might be checking and adjusting sensors to make sure they’re reading correctly, testing control circuits, looking at system data to spot any issues, or helping technicians with maintenance and upgrade work. No two days will feel the same, and you’ll quickly grow your confidence working with real equipment and real systems out on site.

We’ll look to review your progress at regular intervals, providing feedback and guiding your development. You’ll have a tailored personalised plan that ensures you have appropriate support and training. 

About You

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. Check out our guidance below! 
• You’ll need to be comfortable with travel and overnight stays. This means that you’ll need to have a driving license by the time you would be joining us (September 2026!).
• 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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Studies suggest that women tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you resonate with our mission, the role excites you and your skills align, we encourage you to apply.

What should you include in your cover letter?

A cover letter is a chance for us to get to know you as a person – we understand you may not have workplace experience yet, and that’s absolutely fine! Let us know about your personal qualities and interests. Your cover letter should be no more than one A4 page. Make sure it includes:

• Why you’re interested in working at National Gas
• What personal skills and qualities you have that would make you a great apprentice
• Why you want to become an Control and Instrumentation Apprentice. This could be anything from an interest in engineering or practical, hands‑on activities to enjoying science and how things work.

What you can expect from us

You’ll receive a range of benefits that reward your great work.  

• 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. You'll strive to grow and develop, taking advantage of all that National Gas has to offer. 

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, 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.

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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