Page 29 - Gi flipbook March 2018

my knowledge and skill set. As a It quickly became apparent to me that
newcomer to the sector, it was a case
of rolling up my sleeves, listening and this industry encourages commitment
learning. The beauty of my role is that and passion so the people and
I get to work with a diverse range of
people from different backgrounds teams I work with have been a huge
and with different areas of
responsibility – all of which has helped inspiration from day one
me to gain a strong understanding of
the work we carry out.
Having an eye for a good story is
essential in my role. The best stories and beyond to get the job done and engagement approach, we look to
are not always immediately obvious as make a difference is genuinely contact schools in the vicinity of our
the vast majority of people are impressive. gas main replacement sites and
understandably focused on doing their In early 2017, I was approached to arrange visits to promote key safety
job safely and well. It doesn’t always become a STEM (science technology messages around the work we are
occur to them that the projects they engineering and maths) Ambassador carrying out in the area.
are working on are innovative and will for our business and I’ve found the These visits enable us to highlight
be of interest to others. experience to be really interesting and who we are, the nature of our work
Because of this, it’s important that I extremely rewarding. and the benefits it delivers. We also
get out and meet as many people as The gas sector has an ageing use the visits to screen our series of
possible. The beauty of my role is workforce and there is understandably award winning safety-themed
that I get to see all aspects of the a big focus on attracting and animations that really do engage the
work being done, from back-office developing the next generation of children and encourage thinking and
support functions through to the talented engineers and technicians. discussion around safe play near
teams working on the provision and Our sector needs more IT, engineering, work sites. The films are always
maintenance of gas network maths and science specialists, extremely well received by the
infrastructure. particularly those with a long career children and staff.
For our specialist teams providing ahead of them. Through our STEM The children are also provided with
services on low, intermediate and Ambassador programme we are able ‘Safety Superstar’ colouring books and
medium pressure distribution and to engage with young people who certificates, as well as hard hats and
high-pressure transmission networks, might not immediately consider STEM high-vis vests, so that they feel more
their work is just seen as the ‘day job’. career pathways. The STEM involved when we show them around
My remit is to find examples of Ambassador programme enables us to our mock work sites. They then get
interesting works. This might be down highlight the opportunities that exist the chance to ask the gas team any
to a challenging location, great and the valuable contribution they questions they might have.
customer service, strong stakeholder could make as part of a more diverse My advice for any young women
engagement or the use of cost- workforce of the future. thinking about pursuing engineering
effective technologies and innovations There is no such thing as a typical careers is that the gas sector needs
to minimise disruption to customers, day as a STEM Ambassador, every you! Personally, I love seeing a woman
local communities and highway day is different. Visiting schools, in the gas industry. If I had to give any
stakeholders. Finding a great story colleges and careers fairs is advice to women wanting to join the
and ensuring that our people and obviously an important element of gas sector, I’d tell them that it
teams get the credit they deserve is the role and these visits provide us shouldn’t be seen as just a man’s
really rewarding. with really valuable opportunities to industry and that there are
Once I’m notified of high profile jobs discuss STEM opportunities with opportunities for you to succeed.
that are taking place, I will arrange for young people. The gas industry offers a range of
a photographer and ensure that I get We also support teachers with career options including
all of the appropriate details that will STEM projects and experiments in the apprenticeships and graduate
bring the story to life via our website, classroom and at after school clubs. I schemes. I would definitely
intranet site and company newsletter. attend apprenticeship induction days recommend the gas sector to any
I’m also responsible for ensuring that and have become their go-to person woman looking for an industry that
all editorial produced is approved by for any communication issues and recognises hard work, rewards talent
the right people within MUS and assistance required with travel and offers a variety of roles that are
Wales & West Utilities. arrangements to and from college. both worthwhile and challenging. ■
It would be hard to single out an Being a STEM Ambassador offers
individual who has inspired me. It rewarding opportunities to work with ■ In April 2008, the Western Gas
quickly became apparent to me that young people, highlighting the Alliance was formed when Morrison
this industry encourages commitment importance of what we do and Utility Services and AMEC signed a
and passion, so the people and teams introducing them to the many career contract with Wales and West
I work with have been a huge pathways that the gas sector can offer. Utilities. In 2013, the contract was
inspiration from day one. Seeing how We also do a lot of safety extended for a further five years.
dedicated they are on a daily basis awareness work with primary schools. For more information visit
and how willing they are to go above As part of our community www.morrisonus.com

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