GAS NETWORK APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SERVICES

NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

05 Jun 2026 at 12:08

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process for "Gas Network Apprenticeship Training Services" is conducted by Northern Gas Networks Limited, a private utility company based in Leeds, United Kingdom. The procurement aims to appoint a qualified training provider to deliver apprenticeship programmes for the gas network industry, focusing on operational workforce development through structured Level 2 and Level 3 training. The contract, with a total value of £3,000,000, has been awarded to Relyon Nutec LTD. This direct award, due to technical reasons and absence of competition, allows for the delivery of training across the UK regions, with services commencing from 8th June 2026 and potentially extending until 31st May 2034. The procurement method is a direct award, reflecting the lack of alternative providers meeting the specific standards needed.

This tender presents businesses with an opportunity to engage in a high-value, long-term contract within the utilities sector. Companies specialising in technical training, particularly those familiar with apprenticeship standards in the gas network sector, are best positioned to benefit from such contracts. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with capabilities in technical and operational training stand to enhance their business portfolios, while also establishing key industry relationships. The contract's focus on compliance with industry standards and the provision of comprehensive training solutions can drive innovation and growth for businesses capable of meeting these requirements.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

GAS NETWORK APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SERVICES

Notice 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.

Procurement Information

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

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06aeb2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053325-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

48700000 - Software package utilities

80531200 - Technical training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
5 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
7 Jun 2026 - 31 May 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
COLTON LEEDS
Postcode
LS15 8TU
Post Town
Leeds
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE4 West Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE42 Leeds
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Leeds
Electoral Ward
Garforth & Swillington
Westminster Constituency
Leeds East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

RELYON NUTEC

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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