I’d never heard of Engineering, but after carrying out a careers aptitude test, it identified that I would be ideally suited to a career in this field.

I did an advanced apprenticeship in Welding and Fabrication. I attended college part time and obtained qualifications in manufacturing engineering, whilst also developing skills in welding, sheetmetal and machining.

In 2012, I secured a place on the Gas Transmission Engineer Training Programme at National Grid, during which time I worked in the Engineering team and started a Foundation Degree in Gas Transmission Engineering. My first full time role was Technical Lead on National Grid’s first Network Innovation Competition Project, a project to develop a robot to inspect live gas pipelines – a world first. Following my Degree, I was keen to continue my learning, and develop a specialism in an area which interested me; Welding.

I have had a variety of roles, ranging from Project Management of Innovation Projects, to Quality Assurance on Construction Projects. I am now a Senior Welding Engineer in the Engineering and Asset Management Team. My key areas are around Welding and Materials, ensuring that National Grid and our contract partners comply with the requirements for construction on our assets. I work on industry policies, contributing to National and International Standards.

I am passionate about developing others and celebrating role models, having worked closely with the Women’s Engineering Society over the years and launching and delivering International Women in Engineering Day events at National Grid. More recently, I have joined the Executive Committee for the Young Pipeline Professionals Europe, keen to celebrate the talents of individuals across the pipeline industry and encourage and support others with professional development.