Sayda Lees-Manning
Policy Manager, Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)
Sayda shapes technical policy and drives forward gas sector decarbonisation as part of the wider energy system’s transition to net zero. She is a passionate advocate for collaboration across industry and education. She regularly contributes to IGEM’s thought leadership.
Dare to discover gas engineering
One of the UK’s most dynamic engineering sectors is often invisible – literally. Gas engineers design, build and maintain the networks that safely deliver energy to homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. Today, these networks are at the centre of an exciting challenge: transforming how we heat, power and help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions.
We at the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) invite teachers and careers leaders to show students how gas engineering is evolving. And why there’s never been a better time to join the journey and advocate for careers in engineering.
What is gas engineering?
Gas engineering is about more than pipelines. It’s about energy systems – designing and operating the infrastructure that keeps the UK running safely and reliably:
- distribution engineers plan and maintain more than 290,000 kilometres of underground pipes that deliver gas to homes and businesses, including gas quality and metering
- project engineers develop innovative networks to integrate cleaner fuels like biomethane and hydrogen
- safety engineers ensure the gas system, control rooms and emergency services meet the highest standards and protect the public
- data and digital engineers model, analyse, monitor and optimise the network using smart technologies
It’s hands-on, highly technical and increasingly digital – combining mechanical design with cutting-edge technological and digital innovation.
Why gas engineering is changing – and why that’s exciting
For decades, natural gas has heated most UK homes. But with climate change pressing and new targets to cut carbon emissions, the sector is reimagining and reengineering its future:
- hydrogen-ready networks: engineers are testing and adapting pipes and appliances to carry hydrogen, a clean-burning gas that could replace natural gas
- low-carbon gases: renewable gases like biomethane are already entering the network, reducing emissions from heating and cooking
- safety at the forefront: transitioning to new gases while maintaining the UK’s world-class safety record is a unique engineering challenge
- digital transformation: smart monitoring systems and advanced modelling mean engineers can predict faults before they happen and make the network more efficient
- whole systems thinking: engineers are increasingly designing integrated energy systems across gas and electricity that balance supply and demand, improve resilience and accelerate net zero
For students who love solving problems and making a difference, this is engineering at its most impactful.
From mistakes to breakthroughs – why trial and error matters
Daring to discover is at the heart of gas engineering. Building the energy system of the future isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about rigorous testing, learning and improving.
Hydrogen trials, for example, start small in controlled environments before scaling to community trials. Engineers run countless experiments to understand how materials react, how equipment performs and how to keep people safe.
The HyDeploy project is one of the most well-known live demonstrations of blending hydrogen into a natural gas network. It was designed to test whether hydrogen could be safely injected into Keele University’s existing gas distribution system without changing the buildings or appliances. Before any real-world injection, the project performed extensive laboratory work and material compatibility tests – to find the limits, identify failure modes and refine with evidence. The trial yielded numerous real-world technical insights and data to test earlier assumptions. After the first trial, the project (HyDeploy2) extended into public gas networks and continued gathering evidence.
It’s a powerful lesson for young people: mistakes aren’t failure, they’re part of discovery.
Learn more about the HyDeploy project
Routes into gas engineering
Gas engineering is open to a wide range of talents and starting points:
- apprenticeships are a practical way to earn, learn and qualify while working with experienced engineers
- T Levels and college courses combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience
- Studying mechanical, chemical, civil or energy engineering at university can lead to specialist gas roles, with additional gas focused master’s degrees also available
- Joining professional institutions like IGEM help engineers stay up to date and work towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status
With the energy transition accelerating, there’s demand for everything from field engineers to data scientists, safety specialists to sustainability consultants and project managers.
Why teachers and careers leaders matter
As you’ll know, early exposure shapes career choices. Many young people, especially those who don’t have engineers in their families, simply don’t know these roles exist. That’s where educators come in.
By introducing students to how our energy system works, teachers can open doors to well-paid, meaningful careers at the heart of solving climate change.
You can:
- share real-world stories of engineers designing greener gas networks
- use practical activities such as building small pipe systems or modelling gas molecules to spark interest
- encourage students who enjoy maths, science or technology but don’t yet know how these subjects apply in the real world
Dare to discover with IGEM
There’s never been a more important time to help young people see engineering in a new light – innovative, diverse and world-changing. Gas engineers are turning climate ambition into practical action, designing safe, sustainable energy networks for generations to come.
Visit our website for learning materials, case studies and more
It’s a powerful lesson for young people: mistakes aren’t failure, they’re part of discovery.
— Sayda Lees-Manning, Policy Manager, Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)
