Girl Power

Engineering is still typically viewed as men’s work – however this is changing as two of our female engineers can testify.

Danielle

Danielle Greedy is from Pontyclun, South Wales and is part of our Graduate Training Scheme. She is currently on work placement with the Projects team at its Church Village depot in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Danielle, who gained a Master’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Cardiff University, said of the Graduate Programme: “It gives you an excellent understanding of lots of elements of the business. All graduates start with three months training and learn skills in jointing, fitting and operating on overhead lines, as well as switchgear training.

“I have spent some time with the team that maintains primary substations and plant, and with the construction team who are installing new 33,000 volt equipment at various substations. I am out on site shadowing the engineers and learning new practical skills.”

June 23 is National Women in Engineering Day, which aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering like Danielle.

Asked how she got into the profession she explained: “My dad is an engineer so you could say it’s in the genes. It’s always been something that I’ve been interested in. There’s so much to see and do and it’s very exciting and rewarding, plus I was very good at the engineering-type subjects at school like maths and physics so it was an obvious choice for me.”

Danielle also has advice for any woman thinking about taking up an engineering role: “If you’re interested, don’t shy away; apply. There are so many opportunities within the industry and great career prospects.”

Suzanne

Suzanne Park-Davies started with the former Midlands Electricity Board after being inspired by her father, who is an electrical engineer.She now works as a Team Manager in the Gloucester Forest area.

“It really interested me as a child spending time with my dear old dad at work. I later started my working life in the drawing office as a draughtsperson and have developed my career in the electricity distribution business for the last 27 years, which has given me a thorough knowledge of the industry,” said Suzanne.

“My role covers a number of areas. I’m a people manager, looking to get the best out of my 38-strong team of technicians, planners, linesmen and jointers; a financial manager making sure customers get best value for their money; a network manager, checking that it is running at maximum capability, that faults are restored quickly and that we invest in our network to improve continuity of supply. I am also a customer service manager and I take pride in how my team and I deal with our customers. We try to put ourselves into their situation and listen to their needs,” she said.

Suzanne would definitely recommend an engineering career for women.

“Being a woman in the electrical distribution industry is brilliant. It’s hard work with a need to prove yourself, but this just makes you a stronger person. I love my job. Every day presents a different challenge. It’s not a typical nine till five job and you have to be ready for anything at any time, but I think this is the best job and I could not see myself doing anything else,” said Suzanne.