Power you can see: how a career in the energy sector can make a difference

Nicola Shaw, 50, executive director
We believe that by upgrading to cleaner, greener, more affordable energy we can begin to tackle the global climate challenge. It’s this sense of purpose that drew me to a role at National Grid.

This task has never been more urgent – and the energy sector must lead the way and act now to set Britain on course to deliver its net-zero carbon emissions commitment by 2050.

We’re proud of the work we’re already doing, from building the world’s longest cable to bring hydropower from Norway to the UK, to exploring decarbonisation through carbon capture usage and storage in the Humber. We are also devising a nationwide charging scheme to remove range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers in the future and to connect offshore wind to the mainland to reach homes and businesses.

But transforming our national infrastructure so we can generate and distribute clean energy will require employees with the skills and expertise to deliver the step-change required.

That’s why hiring, training and supporting innovative thinkers is vital. It’s one of the reasons why I believe National Grid is a great organisation for people wanting to be involved in climate action.

We recruit at all levels – our apprenticeship is rated one of the five best in the country and our training centre, where we train on hi-tech, high-voltage, high-pressure equipment, has been rated “outstanding” by Ofsted three times.

And it’s not just engineers that have a role to play. Planning, design and communication roles are all needed to keep Britain energised. Wherever you join, you’ll be doing something that you know will make a difference to people’s lives in the future.

My advice for young people considering a career in the energy sector would be to stick with maths. It’s a foundation for all things engineering. After that, follow your passion and be flexible to move to different roles. That way you will find ways of stimulating yourself throughout your career.

• Erinn Sapsford, left, and Faris Jaweed

Erinn Sapsford, 27, asset strategy and risk specialist
I joined National Grid on an industrial placement year while I was still a student. I thought I’d just be making cups of tea, but instead I was made to feel like part of the team. Then I joined the graduate scheme, an 18-month structured programme where, after a month of training, you work in three different areas of the business to build experience across the company. From the very start I felt very welcomed by my colleagues – some of us from the industrial placement are still in touch.

Now, I’m part of a team planning how we’ll run and maintain the world’s longest cable – from Norway to Britain – which will import 100% clean energy to the UK when we switch it on in 2021. In that respect, my day job is to physically reduce our carbon and fossil fuel usage, and I love that I can say I’m doing something that really makes a difference and helps tackle the climate crisis. I’m doing good for the country – while getting paid well for it.

Faris Jaweed, 24, strategic insights analyst
I knew I wanted this job so I could help tackle the climate emergency. In school, we heard so much about the climate crisis, and it’s happening now. The energy industry in particular is in a period of transition; we need to act and National Grid is doing that.

Right from the start, I was given lots of responsibility and support from mentors. On top of all the technical training you also get great training in softer skills, to help cultivate leadership skills. Now, I’m working on HS2 – I couldn’t have imagined working on a project that big.

It’s also very sociable. People are open and accepting of everyone. Your colleagues want you to succeed and progress. We go out for meals and social events together as a grad cohort. I wouldn’t call the people I work with “colleagues”, because that’s too formal – they’ve become real friends.