During secondary school I had an interest in maths and physics and, with encouragement from my parents, I started to explore engineering. My dad is an engineer, and from a young age I’d always associated engineering with loud machinery, teams primarily made up of men and being oily, messy work, but after taking the time to find out more, I realised that this stereotype wasn’t accurate - engineering is so much more. I decided to go to a University Technical College which boosted my belief that engineering could be the right career path. In particular, the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge through hands on, practical learning rather than classroom-based learning really appealed to me, as I've always learnt more being in the field.
I came across National Grid at an apprenticeship fair and speaking to their representatives opened my eyes to the company’s role within the bigger engineering picture – essentially that National Grid is always working really hard in the background to deliver energy to where it’s needed. This was a concept that I really loved - a company focused on the bigger picture that works non-stop to create a sustainable future for all. Applying for their apprenticeship scheme felt like a no brainer and since starting in September 2019, it’s been a whirlwind of opportunities, growth, learning and development.
The opportunities are huge
I’m training to be a craftsperson which involves on-site maintenance of all the transmission equipment, monitoring equipment, reporting any issues, and carrying out day-to-day works to ensure the substation is up to standard. There are endless opportunities once I complete the apprenticeship scheme, ranging from honing my skills on site as a craftsperson to taking on a Senior Authorised Person role. Having different options is exciting and each one offers the chance to keep learning and experience new teams around the business.
Diversity is vital to reach net zero
The scale of tackling climate change is enormous. We need people from different backgrounds and with diverse experiences to bring new perspectives to net zero challenges.
At the sites I'm based at, and the ones I visit when I work away, the teams are mostly made up of people from a variety of backgrounds including across black and ethnic minority communities. The environment is inclusive and there’s opportunities for everyone to contribute ideas. It’s important that this is the experience for all colleagues regardless of their background, and we have all a responsibility to ensure this is the case.
Celebrating differences
Throughout the year at National Grid, there’s a big focus on celebrating diversity events and milestones, from Pride and International Women’s Day to Black History Month and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I’ve personally celebrated Black History Month since I was young with family, friends and throughout my school years, but it’s become a much bigger and better celebration in recent years.
More can be done to increase understanding of lived experiences and advocate for inclusive behaviours in our everyday lives. The National Grid Employee Resource Group for race and ethnicity (ONE) is an important platform for this and arranges activities and speakers to engage colleagues on key topics and issues facing black communities during the Black History Month. It’s a great hub that that should be utilised by all employees.
Hearing about first-hand experiences can be powerful in encouraging people to ask questions and also attract more people externally to consider the profession. Amplifying these events and sharing personal stories will encourage more people to have conversations that push them outside their comfort zone - and getting comfortable with new experiences can definitely be a good thing.
We can all thrive and succeed
As we continue efforts to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, I’d love to see more people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in senior and leadership positions across the energy sector - even in my role! There is still a representation gap at senior levels and tackling this would have a big impact on encouraging more people from these communities to join the industry. It’s vitally important that this remains a priority.
Joining a progressive company like National Grid at any level is a great opportunity to develop a career. There’s no reason to not be ambitious and go for what you want – if you put in the effort and the work, everyone has the chance to progress.
If you’re thinking of pursuing engineering….
Engineering is a challenge, but it’s a challenge that is meaningful and which can have a positive impact on our lives and planet. As new diverse people come into the sector with fresh eyes and new ideas, we have the chance to change the way people view engineering. And my advice to anyone considering it is to go for it – it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Jennifer Turay, substation craftsperson apprentice at National Grid
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