Award winner champions women in power
A top training instructor for power workers has been recognised for inspiring women and girls to consider rewarding careers on the electricity network.
Fran Setford, 32, from Haywards Heath, was named ‘Everyone Matters Champion’ at UK Power Networks annual Living Our Values Awards in London.
A colleague said: “Fran is an amazing role model for women in engineering. She uses her passion for her craft as a platform to encourage other women into engineering.
“Fran joined the panel at a 'Powerful Futures' event attended by 60 young women from five schools and took a lead role in short films for International Women in Engineering Day.”
Although Fran is often the only woman in the classroom when she’s teaching apprentices and craftspeople essential skills on the underground electricity network, she says women have so much to bring to the roles which keep power flowing to homes and businesses.
Fran said: “Women are definitely capable of doing these jobs. They might be women that want to get into agricultural work or work with horses and don’t mind getting their hands dirty!
“Women have great organisational skills and can bring a lot to these roles. We can be overlooked when it comes to physical strength, but a lot of the role now isn’t to do with how strong you are. There are a lot of electrical tools that help with that side of the job.
“Women can be compassionate and sensitive and as a mother, working with younger apprentices in my role as an instructor, I’m able understand their feelings and how to help and support them.
“We have to challenge stereotypes in all its forms. I teach a range of ages, races, abilities and don’t see anyone as any different. Everyone is treated the same way in my class, unless they have requirements that we cater for. I have always been passionate about conducting myself in that way.
“I just love teaching someone and seeing them grow and improve their skills. It’s rewarding. There is a sense of achievement when you see success from someone you have trained. One of my jointing apprentices won apprentice of the year and that would have been enough for me!
“I was overwhelmed to receive the award and became tearful before they even said my name. It showed how much it meant to me.”
Published: 10/10/23
Fran Setford, 32, from Haywards Heath, was named ‘Everyone Matters Champion’ at UK Power Networks annual Living Our Values Awards in London.
A colleague said: “Fran is an amazing role model for women in engineering. She uses her passion for her craft as a platform to encourage other women into engineering.
“Fran joined the panel at a 'Powerful Futures' event attended by 60 young women from five schools and took a lead role in short films for International Women in Engineering Day.”
Although Fran is often the only woman in the classroom when she’s teaching apprentices and craftspeople essential skills on the underground electricity network, she says women have so much to bring to the roles which keep power flowing to homes and businesses.
Fran said: “Women are definitely capable of doing these jobs. They might be women that want to get into agricultural work or work with horses and don’t mind getting their hands dirty!
“Women have great organisational skills and can bring a lot to these roles. We can be overlooked when it comes to physical strength, but a lot of the role now isn’t to do with how strong you are. There are a lot of electrical tools that help with that side of the job.
“Women can be compassionate and sensitive and as a mother, working with younger apprentices in my role as an instructor, I’m able understand their feelings and how to help and support them.
“We have to challenge stereotypes in all its forms. I teach a range of ages, races, abilities and don’t see anyone as any different. Everyone is treated the same way in my class, unless they have requirements that we cater for. I have always been passionate about conducting myself in that way.
“I just love teaching someone and seeing them grow and improve their skills. It’s rewarding. There is a sense of achievement when you see success from someone you have trained. One of my jointing apprentices won apprentice of the year and that would have been enough for me!
“I was overwhelmed to receive the award and became tearful before they even said my name. It showed how much it meant to me.”
Published: 10/10/23