National Gas is investing £30 million in National Gas Services based in Ambergate over the next five years, which will increase the workforce by 30% and establish two specialist training centres to support the workforce needed for Britain's future energy system. 

National Gas Services is Britain’s leading provider of planned and emergency gas pipeline inspection, repair, maintenance and replacement services. For more than 45 years it has responded to national and local gas pipeline emergencies. National Gas Services employs more than 100 people, including eight apprentices, in Ambergate. 

The investment, announced during a visit by local MP Linsey Farnsworth, will strengthen the specialist capabilities that help maintain and repair Britain's gas networks, supporting the secure and reliable delivery of energy across the country. 

The package of funding will increase headcount at National Gas Services’ Ambergate facility by 30% and fund a new, world-leading Welding and Fabrication Centre and a new Future Energy Training Centre at the site. These facilities will provide training for thousands of students, apprentices and people working in the energy sector to develop the vital skills to meet the future demands of Britain’s energy system. 

It will also support new recompression technology designed to reduce carbon emissions from National Gas Services’ operations. Recompressors are mobile gas compressors, used to keep vital supplies of gas moving around Britain when repair works take place on Britain’s pipelines. 

Speaking about the announcement, Director of National Gas Services, Nick Sides, said; 

“National Gas Services plays a vital role in keeping the nation’s gas network running smoothly and safely so that we can keep people warm, businesses running and the lights on. 

“This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to Ambergate, to our people, and to ensuring we continue to provide the safe, reliable and expert services that millions of people depend on every day. 

“As demand grows for specialist engineering and technical expertise, we are investing in the facilities and people that will help develop the next generation of energy professionals right here in Derbyshire." 

The funding is part of National Gas' ongoing programme to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure that keeps energy moving around the country, ensuring the network remains resilient and ready to meet future energy needs. 

Speaking about the announcement, Linsey Farnsworth, MP for Amber Valley, said: 

“This significant investment in National Gas's Ambergate site is a major vote of confidence in our local workforce and the vital role Derbyshire plays in supporting the UK's energy infrastructure. 

“National Gas’ commitment of more than £30 million over the next five years will help create new jobs, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and deliver world-class training facilities right here in Amber Valley. It will equip local people with the skills needed for the energy systems of the future. 

“My thanks to the team at National Gas Services for the opportunity to visit the Ambergate site and to join them in marking this important announcement.” 

National Gas Services is part of National Gas, the operator of Britain’s National Transmission System (NTS) which transports gas from its various points of entry into Britain to: power stations, heavy industries, storage facilities, overseas, and to the local Gas Distribution Networks that take gas into homes and businesses. 99 per cent of all the gas that enters Britain moves through National Gas’ network.