Lynsey Hamilton, Trainee Engineer

When did you start with Enerveo, and what has been your career path with the company to date? 

I started working at Enerveo when it was formally known as SSE Contracting in March 2018 as an Administration Assistant. Within this role, I worked closely with a Contracts Engineer named John who oversees jointing works over Glasgow, Edinburgh and parts of Newcastle.

Following on from this, in January 2020 I started the role of Project Coordinator. Here, I organise electric mains and service connections to new housing estates. I have the responsibility of scheduling the works, looking after the individual project finances and undertaking regular visits to the different sites to interact with the operatives and to ensure they are working safely.

I have now been given the opportunity to commence the role of a Trainee Engineer, where I will complete a qualification in building services whilst working alongside the other engineers in the Scottish region on M&E projects until I get the chance to manage my own.

Before you joined, did you have any preconceived ideas or concerns about joining what has traditionally been seen as a more male-dominated industry? (Luckily this is rapidly changing!)

I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as I began taking on more responsibility in the office and on site, but my colleagues and manager have been nothing but supportive and encouraging and I feel like an equal part of the team. 

What have been some of your greatest challenges and successes within your role to date?

My greatest challenge was trying the gain the trust of the operatives in the depot, they were so used to how the depot was run day-to-day and were content with their old supervisor. There was some reluctance and resistance towards the change and some hesitancy to believe that a woman could successfully do the job.

I think my greatest success has been proving I am able to do this role and running it even more efficiently than it was in the past. I love the job I do now and enjoy talking about it with others.

Where are you hoping to take your career with Enerveo in the future?

I think there is no limit to where this business can take you. I would never have thought when I joined that these opportunities would be available to me. My dream is to become a director at some point in my career. I do believe If you work hard and take opportunities when they are presented to you then anything is achievable.

How can we excite and inspire more females to pursue careers in industries such as mechanical and electrical engineering?

I think more should be done in schools from an early age. When I was in school, I was told that I wouldn’t succeed in life because I chose not to go to university and went straight into work instead. I wasn’t even aware that jobs like this existed - electric and mechanical apprenticeships were mainly targeted towards boys.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career, or that has been a positive female role model in the past?

I love seeing women in similar roles who are on LinkedIn posting about what they do daily and their career journey. It’s great to see women in these type of jobs and to see them progress into senior management.

The theme for this year's International Women’s Day is ‘Break the Bias.’ How do you feel women can challenge the existing gender bias in both an assertive and positive manner?

The best thing women can do is to put the work in - sometimes we need to work that bit harder but it will pay off and we can prove to ourselves and to everyone else that yes, we can do it!

Lynsey Hamilton is a Trainee Engineer with Enerveo based in Glasgow.  

Abigayle Bush, Trainee Engineer

When did you start with Enerveo, and what has been your career path with the company to date? 

I started at Enerveo in 2015 doing an electrical apprenticeship which lasted four years and I have since gone on to become a Trainee Engineer. I am currently studying towards a HNC in electrical and electronic engineering.

Before you joined, did you have any preconceived ideas or concerns about joining what has traditionally been seen as a more male-dominated industry? (Luckily this is rapidly changing!)

I didn’t have any concerns before joining I was quite up for the challenge, but I can see why to some people it can be quite daunting but it shouldn’t stop them from giving it a go!

What have been some of your greatest challenges and successes within your role to date?

Changing from being an apprentice on the tools to an office based role was a big challenge for me, but being able to evolve and learn new skills has definitely been one of my successes that has come from the initial challenge!

Where are you hoping to take your career with Enerveo in the future?

For now, I'm hoping to keep learning wherever and whenever I can, whether that is through different projects I become involved in or with continued academic learning whilst being supported within the company.

How can we excite and inspire more females to pursue careers in industries such as mechanical and electrical engineering?

I think by giving females a better understanding of what these roles involve as a starting point. Engineering roles aren't just about one thing, and you have opportunities to broaden your knowledge to a number of different disciplines and aspects. Without highlighting this to females and making the information accessible, it can be difficult to be aware of this and to visualise it. 

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career, or that has been a positive female role model in the past?

I think for me, inspiration comes from knowing that other women are succeeding in breaking stereotypes and thriving in these roles. There are positive role models out there now within industries that have been very much male dominated in the past. 

The theme for this year's International Women’s Day is ‘Break the Bias.’ How do you feel women can challenge the existing gender bias in both an assertive and positive manner?

By changing the way these roles are looked at from the outside.  I'd encourage females not to be afraid to speak up and speak your mind, and never be afraid to ask questions no matter how stupid you may think it is.

Abigayle Bush is a Trainee Engineer with Enerveo based in Colchester.