Gas distributor’s scheme to close opportunity gap across North Yorkshire

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has launched its Opportunity Action Plan in partnership with former Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening and the Social Mobility Pledge campaign.

Monday, 9th November 2020, 8:50 am
Justine Greening is pictured with Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks.

The plan is a practical strategy dedicated to ‘levelling up’ the employment landscape in this area, empowering everyone to develop their talents and fulfil their potential regardless of background or income.

The campaign will:

○ Work closely with teachers, schools and colleges to open up more opportunities for pupils, and encourage a greater interest in science, maths and technology;

○ Work with schools and colleges to offer structured mentoring programmes for pupils and students, building skills and confidence;

○ Develop better work experience placements with more of a focus on hands-on, practical skills, ideal for young people who may not have considered a career with a gas distributor before, and

○ Lower the barriers to workplace apprenticeships so that they are accessible to a wider group of young people. For example, the application criteria for apprenticeships has for many years include being able to drive. However, if this is a barrier holding back a good candidate, GN will support them to gain a driving licence by meeting the costs of lessons and the test.

Justine Greening said: “Achieving true social mobility in Britain and levelling up our country is a huge challenge but one that businesses and universities are rising to.

“Businesses like NGN have a crucial role to play and can be an incredible force for good in spreading opportunities more evenly across communities.”