Cameron’s Story - Apprentice Electricity Linesperson, UK Power Networks
It’s a tough job market out there for young people. Apprentice electricity linesperson, Cameron Stafford, 20, from Peacehaven, Sussex, is one of 100 apprentices UK Power Networks is currently supporting through skilled apprenticeships. He’s training to maintain and repair the overhead power lines which keep power flowing in Sussex.
Lia's Story - IT Degree Apprentice, SSE
"Energy and utilities is a developing industry which means that there are always new challenges to keep you on your toes."
Jade's Story - Smart Meter Engineer, Morrison Utility Services
"I was studying Health & Beauty and Plumbing. I thought I should keep my options open!"
Shannon's Story - Graduate - Assistant Contract Manager, FCC Environment
“Don’t let reservations or stereotypes hold you back. Waste is a vast and ever changing industry that is full of interesting challenges and opportunities requiring all sorts of skills.”
Safanah's Story - Apprentice - Customer Service Advisor, British Gas
"The opportunity to gain hands-on experience was one of the things that stood out about an apprenticeship and persuaded me this was the route for me."
Tanisha's Story - Policy Executive, Energy UK
"I have a great relationship with our members, industry stakeholders and the Government – something I never thought I would have all in one job!"
Deivydas's Story - Street Lighting Apprentice, Amey
"Everyone’s journey is different and may be difficult at times but I really believe that having hope and faith in yourself is a step forward in anything you decide to do."
Jazz's Story - Talent Acquisition Manager, UK Power Networks
"Our overall strategy aims to break down any perceived barriers or misconceptions about working in this sector!"
Ryeannie's Story - Apprentice - Customer Service Advisor, British Gas
"Even though I had no idea what I was going into when I began my apprenticeship, it’s definitely one of the best things I’ve done."
Andy's Story - Graduate Project Engineer, Morrison Utility Services
"Show your enthusiasm and contribute as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes early on and learn quickly."
Ben's Story - Asset Manager, South West Water
"My Msc and EngD were supported by my employer and undertaken in conjunction with my day to day job."
Emma's Story - Apprentice- Electrician, SSE
"I feel respected in my role and I think that’s a really important aspect to any job."
Nick's Story - CEO, Energy & Utility Skills
"A job in utilities also meant protecting the environment, supporting the economy and helping everyone from the local community to 65 million people across our nations. I was hooked."
Urvashi's Story - Stakeholder Coordinator, Northern Gas Networks
"Working for Northern Gas Networks has opened so many doors for me."
Alison's story - Principal Engineer, Ofwat
"The sector is an exciting place for engineers. Water and wastewater services are so vital for all, and the technical challenges and opportunities are endless."
Samantha's Story - Network Operations Manager, UK Power Networks
"Working in my team is like a little family, where we all work for each other to achieve success."
Josh's Story - Graduate - Policy Analyst, Ofgem
"I’m very ambitious and hopeful about my career prospects whilst at Ofgem, and beyond. The graduate scheme is excellent for training, with a bespoke course for getting up to speed with energy and regulation."
Alex L's Story - Graduate HR Consultant, E.ON UK
“I’ve felt very trusted and pushed to do roles and projects that I don’t have previous experience in.”
Becca's Story - Organisation & Employee Development Apprentice, South West Water
"I knew joining a large sector would mean that there would be plenty of opportunities for me and chances to develop personally and professionally."
Angela's Story - Escalations Case Manager, Morrison Utility Services
"Before coming to Morrison Utility Services I was a bus driver. I thought it was time for a change of career because of the continued problems I was having with my legs and had heard good things about Morrison Utility Services."
Liam's Story - Overhead Line Worker Apprentice, Electricity North West
"I’m a more hands on practical learner so an apprenticeship seemed ideal for me, I just wish I had found it earlier!"
Anne's Story - Costing & Data Modellng Analyst, Yorkshire Water
"Being selected as one of only ten colleagues in the first cohort of a leadership programme, designed to develop women in technical roles, has certainly helped my confidence. I've built strong internal and external networks and members of the original group continue to provide professional support to each other."
Conor D's Story - Graduate - Project Engineer, Morrison Utility Services
"There are so many opportunities to do different things or to move into totally different roles in the energy and utilities sector."
Emily's Story - Graduate Engineer, Wholesale, SSE
"I knew I wanted to work with SSE as a graduate in Generation as I would be given the opportunity to work for a company that has a diverse range of generation assets."
David's Story - CEO, Gemserv
"I hope that as a business we can make a difference, however small it may be, to people’s lives and the planet."
Sarah's Story - First Line Manager, Wales & West Utilities
"I love seeing women in engineering – we offer so much!!
Noha's Story - Graduate Engineer, SSE
"An Interconnect networking event for women in engineering at SSE really helped to identify the kind of work and opportunities graduates are exposed to, and it highlighted how much SSE valued diversity through their efforts in promoting STEM careers to girls from school age."
Ryan's Story - Graduate - Project Planner, Morrison Utility Services
“What I love about working here, which is relevant to all roles I have done and will do in the future; every day is a new challenge.”
Alex's Story - Cable Jointer Apprentice, UK Power Networks
"I’m proud to be the first woman to gain this qualification.
I’m dyslexic…my colleagues couldn’t have been more supportive."
Claudia's Story - Business Performance Manager, Amey
I've worked for Amey for 2.5 years and recently returned to work after becoming a first-time mum and taking a year off on maternity leave. I’ve worked in programme management, management consultancy and business development for the last 19 years, after qualifying with an MSc in Environmental Engineering and a Post Graduate Degree in Project Management."
Keeley-Ann's Story - Commercial Graduate, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
What drew me to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water was its not-for-profit status and its 2050 vision, ensuring that the company puts the environment and its customer at the forefront of everything it does. While the commercial scheme specifically offered me the opportunity to combine my passion for hydrology, energy and the environment.
Zoe's Story - Apprentice - Smart Meter Engineer, E.ON UK
“No woman should be put off by an apprenticeship with an energy or utilities company because it could lead to a new career with great prospects.”
Jack's Story - IT Degree Apprentice, SSE
I am growing my skills and network every day, often without realising. The 4 years of vast work experience and a degree makes you an attractive candidate to any employer.
Nicole's Story - Apprentice - Electricity North West
."The support I’ve received so far throughout my training at Electricity North West has been brilliant."
Sarah's Story - Project Engineer, Northern Powergrid
"My interest in engineering started in sixth form. I hope that by working in the industry, and sharing my story, I can inspire others from differing backgrounds to consider taking STEM subjects and pursuing a career in an exciting, evolving sector with lots of different career opportunities."
Susan Robson, Principal Consultant, Internal Consulting, National Grid
"Diversity of thought has been proven to drive the most innovative outcomes and decisions, so making sure our workforce attracts and includes everyone means we can run our business more efficiently, effectively and innovatively."
Conor S's Story - Electrical Fitter Apprentice, Morrison Utility Services
"I am really pleased that I am working while studying, it is the best combination."
James's story - Graduate - Engineering, SSE
"SSE stood out to me as a forward thinking company who saw the potential to embrace new technologies"
Matt, Apprentice, Northern Gas Networks
"I’ve always enjoyed problem solving and am quite a ‘hands on’ type of person. Friends of mine work in similar roles and after chatting to them about their jobs and the satisfaction they got from what they did it made me start looking into opportunities in the energy and utilities sector."
Omolara's Story - Contact Centre Team Leader, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Whilst at university, Omolara saw a future career in the not-for-profit/charity sector. When she realised that Welsh Water incorporated both customer care and environmental care with a not for profit ethos she knew she had to apply.
Emily's Story– Project Engineer, Thames Water
"Thames Water offers me the flexibility to work around in various roles. I enjoy being challenged and I really believe in what the company does".
Samantha's Story - Apprentice - Advanced Programme, National Grid
"Working in an office wasn't for me, I love being outdoors so this apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity!"
Kirsty's Story - Design Assurance Engineer, National Grid
"The diversity of working in this industry is something that has really appealed to me."
Iain's Story - Operations Manager, British Gas
"For me, going down the apprenticeship route has always been the right decision. It is a unique opportunity to learn about a role, and a business, in a really immense way."
Stuart's Story - Engineering Academy Specialist, British Gas
“I chose to earn and learn at the same time.”
John's Story - CEO, National Grid
"It’s an exciting time to be in the energy industry. The scale and pace of change is unlike anything we’ve seen before."
George's Story - Graduate - Management Trainee, FCC Environment
"I work in a fast moving, exciting industry, with great career prospects."
Alex M's Story - Year in Industry Placement, E.ON
"The opportunities involved with my role are fantastic; I have travelled across the UK, Scotland and Germany, attended conferences in London, and sailed on various different boats."
Lewis's Story - Graduate - Civil Engineer, Kier Utilities
“Every day is different and poses problems to solve, and that is what I really enjoy.”
Jessica's Story - Customer Service Specialist, E.ON
Life without Limits "I’m grateful to E.ON because they haven’t just given me a job – they’ve given me a career.”
Brianika's Story - Leakage Technician Apprentice, Anglian Water
"There are so many opportunities available to advance in Anglian Water. My apprenticeship lasts for 2 years, this includes the chance to spend time with various people and learn about all parts of the business, some which i never knew existed!"
Willow's Story - Data & Analytics Manager, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
The variety, the Data Science Team works with all areas of the business. Projects that the team deliver align with different Measures of Success, this means that every project is different, working with a different team, for a different business challenge, using a different analytical technique and adding differing benefits to the business but all with the same aim of improving the service for our customers.
Aamer's Story - Customer Service Agent, Morrison Utility Services
"I use adapted software called JAWS (Job Access with Speech), a computer screen reader programme that allows sight impaired users to ‘read’ a screen through text-to-speech output. Whilst on the phone to a customer, JAWS speaks to me to tell me what is on my screen and how to process the call."
Ellie's Story - Graduate - HR Manager, E.ON UK
"I love working for a company who cares, and with people who care. I love how dynamic the sector is – no two days are the same.”
Curtis's Story - Electrical Fitter, Morrison Utility Services
"As a STEM Ambassador I really want to let school students know about the opportunities for a career in utilities and hopefully my experiences can show what possibilities there are."
Matthew's Story - Apprentice - Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Scottish Water
“You should always show a willingness to learn and should always be enthusiastic about the area that you are interested in.”
Hilary's Story - Head of Engineering, Cadent
In the 1980s Hilary Buxton found herself blazing a trail for women engineers. Fast forward 30 years and she's now Cadent’s most senior female engineer!
Wayne's Story - Training Advisor, South West Water
"I enjoy passing on my knowledge and experience from working in Health and Safety as I know that ultimately it will keep them safe."
Stephie's Story - Graduate - Design Engineer, Centrica
“The work I do is important to almost all aspects of daily life - keeping us warm during the winter, keeping the lights on, and cooking food!”
Lia's Story - IT Degree Apprentice, SSE
"Energy and utilities is a developing industry which means that there are always new challenges to keep you on your toes."
Jan's Story - Chair, Energy & Utility Skills
"There are so many opportunities in the energy and utilities sector and Energy & Utilities Jobs is a great initiative to help you find them.”
Sophie's Story - Graduate - Design Engineer, Scottish Power
“It's an industry where you come to work, do something different every single day and have to constantly innovate.”
Tom's Story - Communications Assistant, Energy UK
"The energy industry is fundamental to how we live our lives. It is underestimated in the role it plays in ensuring at the very least we can have your heating on or can cook a meal."
Hema's Story - Performance Excellence Manager, Balfour Beatty
"A key part of my role is assigning the right people, with the right qualifications and knowledge to each job so we are able to meet the needs of our clients."
Sam's Story - Resourcing Analyst, South West Water
"An exciting element of my job includes the opportunity to work on improvement projects, so I get to work with some great people on some very challenging tasks."
Svitlana's Story - Senior Analyst, Ofgem
"Energy is an essential service that concerns us all and enables our life as we know it. It's an exciting sector with so much to learn!"
Myrtle's story, Chartered Chemical Engineer, Centrica
"I accepted a challenge in a role that no one understood and no one wanted."
Nick Haigh, Head of Analysis & Evidence for Floods, Water & Contamination, DEFRA
"The work of my team is vital to ensure what government does in water management is in tune with the natural world, what is going to work and what is worthwhile."
Nicole's Story - Overhead Line Worker Apprentice, Electricity North West
"The support I’ve received so far throughout my training at Electricity North West has been brilliant.".
Tom's Story – Maintenance Performance Manager, Thames Water
I was a Captain in the Royal Logistics Corps for 7 years. Thames Water seemed like a ‘good fit’ for me and my skillset; I thought the experience I had would transition well.
Keren's Story - Senior Manager, Ofgem
"I find it most rewarding when I feel that I really make a difference."
Mark's Story - Catchment Operator for Networks, South West Water
"The water industry offers a range of training opportunities to develop the skills needed to work in such a diverse field."
Molly's Story - Craft Apprentice, SP Energy Networks
"It’s been extremely encouraging to see the work that SP Energy Networks does to support women in the engineering industry, so it’s great to be a part of their team."
Mumtaz's Story - Operations Interface Manager, Cadent
" I like to use and tell my experiences to the next new generation of girls who might like the idea of a career in engineering. I tell them it is far from a mundane job; every day is different and rewarding."