Careers in energy

Meet the graduate engineer

Joanna Barclay
Secondary Asset Replacement Delivery Engineer
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

I started out my career at Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE) as an Overhead Lines Apprentice before moving on to the Graduate Programme.

Taking the graduate route was the ideal next step after the apprenticeship because the continuity in learning and development meant I could apply my practical experience to classroom situations. At first I found it challenging to adjust from a job based outside to one inside studying, but I soon began to enjoy the mix of academic and practical learning. I’m now a fully qualified Secondary Asset Replacement Delivery Engineer.

I’m a very determined person who loves a challenge. I really like the problem-solving aspect of my role and I love the versatility. There’s a good balance between office-based and on-site work and every day brings something new. 

Meet the project manager

Yu Qian
Project Manager
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks

My career started some years ago when I joined the distribution operator as a graduate trainee in their Power Systems team. That entry level role made me realise this was the industry in which I wanted to carve out my career, and I quickly progressed in to the world of Major Projects, where I took on the role of Design Engineer; a move that would put me on the path to my current position.

Five years in the Design Office gave me the knowledge and confidence to take another step up to my current role, managing the safe and effective delivery of projects and contracts execution. With SSEN’s support, I’m also now a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and Chartered Project Professional with APM and managing a multi-million pound project to increase network capacity in Hampshire.

Meet the engineer

Naomi Hutcheon
Control Engineer
Electricity North West

I have always enjoyed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and problem solving so engineering felt like a good fit. The role of a Control Engineer became more appealing to me while working as a Field Protection Engineer for a network operator and gaining operational experience. As a Control Engineer I’m responsible for the real-time management of the electricity network and power system analysis, namely managing planned outages and faults whilst ensuring the network remains as secure as possible and minimising the impact on customers.

For anyone wanting to get into a similar role, a degree is always desirable but there are other routes, such as apprenticeships. I completed a Trainee Engineer programme with a construction company, gaining a qualification and valuable experience. I’ve since completed further qualifications working for various network operators and I’m now studying a three-year distance learning course in Powers Systems Protection.

Meet the digital manager

Mike Dotts
Digital Strategy & Web Development Manager
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks

I started my career as a Social Media Officer – working across our external platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter – before moving on to my current role. My five years as Social Media Officer and Web Content Editor, using technology to keep our customers updated, helped me realise my natural passion for all things digital. That made my current position a natural progression for me and with SSEN’s support I’ve completed a Modern Apprenticeship and have been awarded my Digital Marketing Diploma.

I’m now focusing on a project to replace SSEN’s content management system and website. Part of this work involves reviewing all content on our current website and ensuring the customer journeys are fit for purpose, to prepare our business for the future and work towards helping the UK achieve its net zero ambitions. One of the reasons I chose to work for SSEN was the many avenues for progression and career development. If you’re willing to work hard and want to learn, the sky really is the limit here.

Meet the first line manager

Henry James
First Line Manager
Wales & West Utilities

I was 20 when I applied to spend the third year of my degree with Wales & West Utilities. I spent a year working as part of a team looking after the control systems of the gas network and above ground gas equipment. We’d find faults and then work with technicians to get these repaired. It was there I got bit by the energy bug – and became interested in parts of the industry.

I was accepted for early entry into the company’s graduate scheme, where I spent a day a week studying for my degree. Communities across Wales and south-west England rely on us to keep the gas flowing to heat homes, power businesses and keep the lights on. The two-year graduate scheme was a great opportunity to get an insight into the wide range of work that involves. Working for a company like Wales & West Utilities has given me so many opportunities, and I’ve met some fantastic people who are supporting me and allowing me to benefit from their experience.