Amongst the attendees were three colleagues from our National Gas apprenticeship programme – current apprentices Eva Waters and Emily Mehedintu, along with recent graduate Mark Lees – who stepped inside Parliament to join the conversation.  

The discussion explored the challenges and opportunities facing the sector - from strengthening technical training to ensuring long-term investment in the green skills needed for the UK’s clean energy transition.  

With the energy transition accelerating and the national conversation increasingly centred on security, resilience, and green growth, it’s vital that early-career voices help shape the policy decisions that will define the future.  

Representing National Gas’s growing community of early career professionals, the apprentices shared their experiences of entering the industry and why opportunities like this matter to them. Their reflections highlight the value of being part of a national conversation at such a pivotal moment for the energy sector.  

Emily Mehedintu, Project Management Degree Apprentice, said:  

“I love working at National Gas. I never expected to work for a gas company, it really wasn’t ever in my plans. But when I found the opportunity, I thought I’d have to take it because it’s something that I’d never expect to do. And I’m here today and I’ve learnt so much already and I’ve still got a couple of years of my apprenticeship left, so I can’t wait to see what’s to come.”  

Eva Waters, Project Management Degree Apprentice, shared:  

“It’s really exciting to see the changes that are happening to the industry as well and being there to experience it. The day-to-day isn’t always the same, there’s always something new or something happening.”  

Mark Lees, Asset Manager (recently graduated apprentice), said:  

"I’m very pleased to have completed my degree apprenticeship. It's given me real responsibility, helped me develop the skills I need to make an impact in the business, and set me up for a career in the energy industry. It’s great to see apprenticeships, that have had such a positive impact on my life, being recognised on the agenda in Westminster.”  

The roundtable forms part of a wider programme of engagement between National Gas, policymakers, and industry partners as Britain moves toward a more secure, sustainable energy future.  

National Gas is playing a critical role in developing the green skills Britain needs. Last year, we welcomed 36 new apprentices and invested £3.6 million in training and skills development. Many of our apprentices are based at compressor stations and terminals across the country, gaining hands-on experience that keeps the national gas network running safely and reliably.  

If you’re interested in building a career with real impact - or know someone who is - our 2026 apprenticeship applications have just gone live. Explore opportunities on our careers page.