Our apprentices from L-R: Kamil, James and Harry
This year, we’re welcoming 52 apprentices as part of our commitment to investing in engineers and leaders of the future. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, three apprentices – Kamil Jarosz, Harry Sinclair, and James Porter – reflect on their journeys so far.
Their backgrounds vary, from hands-on fieldwork to IT project management, but they share a common drive to learn and a determination to excel. In this special interview, they explain how their apprenticeships have been transformative experiences and an exciting pathway into their respective fields.
- Kamil balanced the challenges of relocation with the learning curve of frontline working.
- Harry credits the SGN training facilities and mentors for his success in developing new skills.
- James tells us how he juggles university assignments with real-world projects.
Kamil’s journey
Kamil relocated from Portsmouth to London to start his apprenticeship with us. “It was really challenging because as well as starting a new job I also had to adapt to a new area and workplace at the same time,” he says. But it has been worth it. “I had no prior experience in the gas industry, but the apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to give it a go. I get to attend gas leaks, carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activations, and meter installations. It’s a steep learning curve, but I love the variety.”
Previously working in our Operational Control Centre, he took the leap into fieldwork and is now training to become a First Call Operative, responding to gas emergencies reported by customers. One of his biggest achievements has been building his confidence when dealing with difficult on-site situations, adapting to challenges and ensuring a high level of service.
He credits SGN’s training facilities and regular check-ins with mentors for helping him build the necessary skills. “My apprenticeship allows me to learn while working full time, with a good balance between on-the-job training, training sessions, and attending East Sussex College to obtain nationally recognised gas qualifications.”
Harry’s story
Harry is currently on a two-year gas engineering apprenticeship and agrees with Kamil. “It’s definitely fast-paced. I’m learning to maintain the gas network, respond to leaks, and make sure customers are safe. It’s a balance between gaining experience on-site and studying to earn my qualifications,” he explains.
“I’m on a two-year gas engineering apprenticeship with the final outcome of being a qualified Team Leader. The first qualification I achieve is Network Construction Operations Gas Level 1 (NCO1), which means I am able to work as part of a two-person team under supervision.” Harry says one of his biggest achievements was completing his Gas Network Operator Level 1 (GNO1) portfolio. “It was a lot of work, gathering evidence and writing up job reports, but when I finally submitted it, it felt like a real milestone.” He also takes pride in entering an entirely new field, quickly picking up industry-specific knowledge, and applying it effectively on the job.
James’s experience
As an Apprentice IT Project Manager, James has had a different but equally challenging experience. “Alongside my role, I’m enrolled at the University of Portsmouth on the four-year Project Management Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Hons),” he explains. He works four days a week at SGN and takes one day out of the office to attend lectures, complete assignment work and gather evidence for his ePortfolio.
“What’s great is that the skills I’m learning apply to all industries. I’ve already managed projects, worked with senior stakeholders, and even produced a technical document that got approved by our technical teams – that was a proud moment for me,” he says. Delivering the Vyntelligence Onboarding project from start to finish was a standout achievement for him, giving him a real insight into the complexities of project management and business alignment. One of the aspects he enjoys most about his role is the variety – each project presents new challenges and opportunities to learn.
Challenges
Their apprenticeships haven’t been without their challenges. For Harry, managing competing workloads has been tricky at times. “Balancing completing my apprenticeship work while also contributing to the daily workload our team faces is a challenge. My learning schedule sometimes didn’t align with shift patterns, which meant I missed out on some hands-on experience. That was frustrating, but I knew it was temporary, and my team helped fill in the gaps,” he explains. Despite these hurdles, the practical knowledge gained on the job has been invaluable to Harry.
James has had to juggle university assignments with real-world project work. “Balancing university assignments and project work has been a significant challenge. With project work and assignment deadlines often competing for attention, maintaining balance can be tricky. To overcome this, I’ve ensured that my university days are fully dedicated to my studies,” he says. Teamwork has been a big help too, collaborating with the Back Office Product Group and stakeholders across the business has given James invaluable insights into the company's operations.
Support to succeed
Despite these challenges, all three apprentices agree that the support at SGN has been a key factor in their success. “From day one, I’ve felt like I could reach out for help,” Kamil says. “We’re encouraged to speak freely, and feedback is always taken seriously.” Harry echoes this sentiment. “My team leaders are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to teach me. And my manager, Anthony, has gone out of his way to make sure I get the opportunities I need.”
For James, his manager Liz has been a big support: “She’s been instrumental in my development. The whole IT team has been fantastic.” He also acknowledges the wider support network at SGN, from transition teams to project managers, all of whom have contributed to his growth.
Looking ahead, they all see bright futures at SGN. Kamil is eager to continue building his confidence and technical skills while Harry is focused on completing his apprenticeship and taking on more responsibility. James is set to graduate in 2027 and is on track to become a fully qualified Project Manager.
“It’s not just about getting a qualification,” James says thoughtfully. “It’s about growing, learning, and knowing you’re making a real impact.”
