GAS NETWORK APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SERVICES

Procurement description

Appointment of a suitably qualified training provider to deliver apprentice training services that support the development of a safe, competent, and future-ready operational workforce. The requirement focuses on structured apprenticeship programmes aligned to NGN's workforce planning needs, enabling progression from entry-level competence through to fully qualified operational roles within gas network activities.

The core deliverables comprise the provision of Gas Network Operative (Level 2) and Gas Network Craftsperson (Level 3) apprenticeship programmes, with an expected cohort of approximately 10-12 learners per programme. The provider must deliver fully integrated, end-to-end training pathways aligned to current apprenticeship standards, supporting progression to Mains Response Engineer status. Programmes must be delivered within a maximum duration of 24 months, with sufficient flexibility to accelerate delivery where required. The supplier will also provide supporting infrastructure including training facilities, equipment, materials, PPE, learner accommodation options, and robust reporting through an ePortfolio system and associated off-the-job training tracking.

Delivery must comply with relevant industry and apprenticeship standards, including Gas Network Operative and Gas Network Craftsperson frameworks, and incorporate required engineering and emergency competencies (e.g. NCO, SCO, NRSWA, and emergency response certifications). The provider must be registered on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP), be competent in managing apprenticeship levy funding via the Digital Account System, and maintain appropriate safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance policies.

The contract will support training delivery across NGN's operational geography, with providers required to demonstrate capacity to deliver within network regions and utilise suitable, compliant training environments. The procurement also supports collaboration with NGN's internal development centre and aims to establish a single, cohesive programme delivery model.

Overall, the purpose of this procurement is to secure a high-quality training partner capable of delivering consistent, compliant, and scalable apprenticeship outcomes to meet current and future workforce requirements.

NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED

Relyon Nutec LTD

Procedure type

Direct award

Description of how these justifications apply

Primary Ground - Single Supplier / Absence of Competition

Schedule 5, Paragraph 6 (a):

A direct award may be made where goods/services can be supplied only by a particular supplier due to absence of competition for technical reasons.

Application:

• Demonstrated market failure following compliant market engagement (DfE process)

• No alternative provider capable of delivering:

o Required apprenticeship standards (GNO/GNC)

o Geographic delivery model (Northeast, block release)

o Operational alignment (gas network competency pathways)

• DfE process independently validates the gap in provision

Supporting Ground - No Reasonable Alternative or Substitute

Schedule 5, Paragraph 6 (b):

Where no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.

Application:

• Alternatives explored (6 providers) were:

o Technically non-compliant (do not deliver standards), or

o Operationally unviable (distance, delivery model)

• Substitution (e.g. non-apprenticeship routes or different standards):

o Would not meet regulatory, competency, or workforce planning requirements

Direct award justification

Single suppliers technical reasons

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Utilities

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 May 2034