Norwich ambassador’s mission inspiring girls to choose engineering
A new engineering ambassador at Britain’s biggest electricity network will be advising young women about exciting career opportunities at the heart of a low carbon future.
This International Women’s Day (8 March), new STEM ambassador Alex Sanderson, who left bar work for a future in the electricity industry with UK Power Networks eight years ago and loves her career, wants to inspire more girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Alex, from Norwich, said: “I always wanted to help women coming into the business and not sugar coat it. This is a hard and demanding job, but it’s a good job. I want to help people understand the range of jobs in our business.
“I find it rewarding when we get customers back on supply and customers are so grateful when we manage to do something that really helps them. The work we do can make a huge difference.
“If you set your heart on a job like mine, you will get there, but not necessarily at the first attempt. It took me three or four attempts to get into the company, but it was worth the effort. If I had met female engineering role models at school, I might have taken this career path sooner than I did.”
UK Power Networks has established a vibrant new team of Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassadors, set to become diverse and relatable engineering role models. The electricity specialists want to show young people how exciting engineering careers are within their grasp. Events will include interactive school, college and youth group visits, careers fairs, mentoring and work experience.
Alex Sturge, head of communications, engagement and development at UK Power Networks, said: “STEM ambassadors have an important role talking about what life is like in an engineering company in the electricity and utility sector. This will help our whole sector and is integral to attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce to achieve our business goals.
“Our ambassadors have a passion, feel proud of the industry they work in and can show how the immense opportunities in our industry are accessible to everyone.”
Vienna McAndie, from STEM Learning’s STEM Ambassador Programme, said: “We need to show young people role models who look like them, have similar backgrounds and can show the huge variety of careers paths they could have. STEM Ambassadors are a powerful way to do this. They inspire young people by showing them real world examples of STEM careers, as well as supporting teachers by providing a 'wow' factor, alongside contextualising subjects taught in the classroom.
“We want to make sure everyone has the same opportunities when they come to choose their career path and UK Power Networks STEM Ambassadors will support our goals.”
STEM Ambassadors have undergone enhanced background checks to volunteer with children, complete safeguarding training and have significant opportunities for their own professional development. The STEM Ambassador programme is funded by UKRI to be free for everyone involved.
To become a STEM Ambassador visit their website.
This International Women’s Day (8 March), new STEM ambassador Alex Sanderson, who left bar work for a future in the electricity industry with UK Power Networks eight years ago and loves her career, wants to inspire more girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Alex, from Norwich, said: “I always wanted to help women coming into the business and not sugar coat it. This is a hard and demanding job, but it’s a good job. I want to help people understand the range of jobs in our business.
“I find it rewarding when we get customers back on supply and customers are so grateful when we manage to do something that really helps them. The work we do can make a huge difference.
“If you set your heart on a job like mine, you will get there, but not necessarily at the first attempt. It took me three or four attempts to get into the company, but it was worth the effort. If I had met female engineering role models at school, I might have taken this career path sooner than I did.”
UK Power Networks has established a vibrant new team of Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassadors, set to become diverse and relatable engineering role models. The electricity specialists want to show young people how exciting engineering careers are within their grasp. Events will include interactive school, college and youth group visits, careers fairs, mentoring and work experience.
Alex Sturge, head of communications, engagement and development at UK Power Networks, said: “STEM ambassadors have an important role talking about what life is like in an engineering company in the electricity and utility sector. This will help our whole sector and is integral to attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce to achieve our business goals.
“Our ambassadors have a passion, feel proud of the industry they work in and can show how the immense opportunities in our industry are accessible to everyone.”
Vienna McAndie, from STEM Learning’s STEM Ambassador Programme, said: “We need to show young people role models who look like them, have similar backgrounds and can show the huge variety of careers paths they could have. STEM Ambassadors are a powerful way to do this. They inspire young people by showing them real world examples of STEM careers, as well as supporting teachers by providing a 'wow' factor, alongside contextualising subjects taught in the classroom.
“We want to make sure everyone has the same opportunities when they come to choose their career path and UK Power Networks STEM Ambassadors will support our goals.”
STEM Ambassadors have undergone enhanced background checks to volunteer with children, complete safeguarding training and have significant opportunities for their own professional development. The STEM Ambassador programme is funded by UKRI to be free for everyone involved.
To become a STEM Ambassador visit their website.
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