Assistant Project Manager Graduate - Major Programmes Control Systems (Lockerley)

Join National Gas and help be the energy behind the change.

National Gas is responsible for operating and maintaining Britain's national gas transmission network, helping to keep the lights on, businesses running and homes warm. 

We manage the critical infrastructure that safely and reliably transport gas across Great Britain, supporting the energy security that millions of people depend on every day.

While delivering for Britain today, we're also preparing for tomorrow. Through innovation, investment and the development of future energy infrastructure, we're helping to create a cleaner and more sustainable energy system for generations to come.

As a graduate, you'll be given meaningful responsibility from the start, supported to develop professionally, and empowered to contribute to projects that have a real impact on the nation's energy future. Whether you're solving complex challenges, driving innovation or delivering essential services, you'll play an important role in an organisation with genuine purpose.

Join us and help shape the future of energy.

About the Role

Join our Major Programmes team and play a key role in delivering projects that support the safe and reliable operation of Britain's gas transmission network. As an Assistant Project Manager Graduate, you'll gain hands-on experience working on the Control Systems Replacement Programme, helping to deliver major infrastructure projects that are critical to the future of National Gas. 

Your initial placement will be based at our Lockerley site, where you'll work alongside experienced project managers, engineers, contractors and operational teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical project delivery experience, learn from industry experts and build the skills needed for a future career in project management. 

Day-to-day, you could be:

•    Supporting project planning and coordination activities.
•    Helping organise project meetings and track actions.
•    Monitoring project progress and preparing updates for stakeholders.
•    Supporting project reporting and governance activities.
•    Working with contractors, engineers and operational teams to help keep projects on track.
•    Visiting project sites and taking part in activities that support project delivery. 

Throughout the programme, you'll gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from early design and planning through to construction, commissioning and delivery. You'll develop valuable project management, communication and problem-solving skills while building an understanding of how major infrastructure projects are delivered in a live operational environment.

About You

We're looking for someone who is curious, proactive and excited to build a career in project management. You won't be expected to know everything from day one, but you should enjoy solving problems, working with people and taking on new challenges. 

You'll be someone who:

•    Enjoys organising activities and helping projects run smoothly.
•    Has strong communication skills and enjoys working with a wide range of people.
•    Is comfortable managing multiple tasks and priorities.
•    Takes ownership of their work and follows through on commitments.
•    Has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
•    Is adaptable and enjoys working in a dynamic environment. 

A standout candidate will have a genuine interest in project delivery, major infrastructure and engineering projects. They'll be organised, confident building relationships and enthusiastic about learning through hands-on experience. They'll also be comfortable working in site-based environments and excited by the opportunity to develop into a future Assistant Project Manager.

We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring to our organisation and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

What you'll need

You'll hold, or be on track to achieve, a degree in a relevant subject. Suitable degree disciplines include:

•    Project Management
•    Construction Management
•    Engineering Management
•    Electrical Engineering
•    Control Systems
•    Instrumentation
•    Or another related engineering/project-focused discipline. 

We're interested in your potential and transferable skills as much as your academic background. A strong application might include examples of:

•    Organising projects, events or group activities.
•    Solving problems and finding practical solutions.
•    Working collaboratively as part of a team.
•    Managing competing priorities and deadlines.
•    Communicating information clearly to different audiences. 

Experience through an industrial placement, internship or work experience in engineering, infrastructure, utilities, construction or energy would be beneficial, but it isn't essential. What matters most is your enthusiasm to learn, your willingness to get involved and your interest in developing a career in project management.

A good application will include a cover letter to help us understand why you're a great fit for the role. Be sure to include any other relevant experience or university modules.

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.

The Essentials

This is an 18-month fixed-term graduate programme. You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme. 

Travel is a key part of this role and an important part of your development as a future Assistant Project Manager. You'll initially support the Lockerley Control Systems Replacement Project, with opportunities to work across the wider Control Systems Replacement Programme and Major Programme portfolio as you progress through the scheme. This means regular travel beyond your usual place of work, including between project locations and occasional overnight stays when required. Due to the nature of the role, you'll need a full UK driving licence, and access to a vehicle would be beneficial. Where appropriate, we can provide support with transport arrangements, including hire vehicles, to help ensure travel is accessible.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that 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).

What you can expect from us

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

• Starting annual salary of £34,646, 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, where every team member feels valued and supported. 

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 graduates 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'

This role is primarily site-based at Lockerley, giving you the opportunity to work closely with project teams and gain valuable hands-on experience. You'll spend much of your time working alongside experienced colleagues in a live project environment, helping you build practical knowledge and develop your project management skills.

You'll start in a large cohort of other graduates and apprentices, where you'll attend an in-person induction in early September 2027, 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 graduate 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.

Following a successful online application, you'll be invited to complete an online assessment. Candidates who progress to the next stage will then be invited to a virtual solo interview. The final stage of the process is an in-person Assessment Centre in December or January. We'll share further details closer to the time, including the date and location.  

Applications close on Sunday 8th November 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