International Women’s Day 2022

Today is International Women’s Day 2022 – a global day celebrating the social economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Our staff include incredible women who recognise a problem and dare to be part of the solution. We are committed to improving gender diversity and some of the things the business has done recently to support this include signing the WISE 10 Steps – an action driven framework that helps organisations improve recruitment, retention and progression of women. Plus, last year WISE facilitated managers workshops on ‘Introduction to Diversity’ for WPD and now, National Grid has a specific Employee Resource Group called WiNG (Women in National Grid) which is open to all WPD staff.

Maxine Bateman, Taunton Trainee Planner

How long have you worked for WPD and in which roles? 
I started working for WPD in Sept 2019 in Taunton on the Trainee Planner programme, which is 3 years long. I am due to finish later this year, when I will become a qualified planner.

What made you choose WPD? 
I was at a crossroads in my previous career and was looking for other opportunities. The National Career Service suggested I looked into adult apprenticeships, as I wanted a job where I could learn new skills while working. I already have a mathematics degree and so looking for apprenticeships which I could make use of seemed to be the best way forward. 

I was lucky that WPD had an apprenticeship advertised for the area I live so I applied. I didn’t have any electrical background, but the apprenticeship is teaching me all I need to know. In the interview, they said they were looking for someone who was willing to learn as they could teach the knowledge.

What does a typical working day look like for you? What does your job role involve?
As a trainee, my days can vary quite a bit. Sometimes I am attending online university lectures, or WPD delivered training, or I will be in the office looking at customer enquiries, providing quotes and plans based upon the customers’ requirements. 

A planner’s job is to design schemes, prepare and deliver new connections, alterations and projects and communicate with customers throughout the process. I work very closely with the other planners and I have a portfolio of tasks to complete to show that I have achieved a breadth of knowledge during my on-the-job training. I also go out onto site, meet customers or observe field staff complete work, which aids my learning by seeing how an enquiry planned in the office is physically achieved on site. 

Would you encourage young women to enter engineering? 
I wish I had entered engineering a lot earlier - perhaps studying it originally at university. It’s a really interesting industry with a lot of varied opportunities and challenges. It’s a way of using mathematical flair in real life, seeing and being part of changes on our infrastructure and applying initiative to solutions. 

The green revolution is happening, so many opportunities are arising from this and strength will come from diversity within the workforce.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy learning - no two days are the same and that keeps me on my toes. Providing solutions to engineering queries customers contact us with, particularly the enquiries which are less straightforward and require problem solving. 
The people I work with also make the job enjoyable. Progression within WPD is clear to see and learning from people who have worked in this industry for 30+ years provides a wealth of knowledge.

Do you think WPD offers great STEM / WISE opportunities?
Yes, WPD offers apprenticeships with formal training, which is a great investment in staff with further opportunities for development and progression. There’s a great level of promotion of Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) within the company, producing champions and inspiring others that progression is possible and achievable. 

Do you have any advice for women thinking about taking up an engineering role?
Don’t be afraid to try an engineering role. Although traditionally it is a male-dominated industry, that is changing and it’s a very welcoming environment to work in. Research companies you may want to work with, find out if their core values align with yours and investigate any opportunities to gain experience with them.