Sammy-Jo started as an apprentice back in 2014, graduating to being an Electrical Fitter based at Stansted Airport, before moving to her current role as a Control Engineer based in Ipswich, Suffolk.
“In terms of progression it’s all gone faster for me than I would have imagined. I’m still only 24 and have quite a senior role with a lot of responsibility, I thought I would have been older in reaching this point so that’s been really pleasing.
“This remains an industry, certainly at operational level, in which being a woman does place me in a minority, but I would say even in the seven years I’ve been involved there have been improvements in this regard.
“I can’t deny there was some banter to deal with in a male-dominated workplace, but people are more accepting generally now and hopefully that’s a trend which only continues.
“One of the challenges is feeling that people have confidence in your ability, but that’s about proving yourself and showing what you can do. I was 16 when I started and would always advise any girl that age now to go for it if that’s what they want to do. I sing in a band and have performed in stage shows and when I was 16 I did have the option of looking at performing arts courses, but I felt that this industry would offer me greater job security and I don’t regret that choice.
“This coming year I’ve really got to focus on my work as I have tests to become authorised and progress in my current role. You do still get people bemused when they hear what I do, but when I explain to them what’s involved they generally just think it’s amazing and congratulate me.”
About us
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.
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