STEM Returners Programme
SSEN Transmission offers opportunities to get involved with SSE’s STEM Returner’s programme – a paid 12-week programme aimed specifically at those wishing to go back into STEM after a break of any length.
We caught up with Claudia, Assistant Engineer in our Project Engineering team, who shares her experiences of getting involved in the programme before becoming a full-time member of the team.
Before joining SSEN Transmission, I worked as an engineer in Sweden within the marine industry.
I choose to take a career break because I wanted to change industry and the pandemic struck just as I had left my previous job.
Although I had not consciously chosen to have a break, I am very glad I had one! It helped me put things into perspective and I took this opportunity to explore what I really wanted from a career and life
My break certainly improved my adaptability, as I’m sure it has for many of us in the last year! But more importantly, I learned to appreciate how good it is to make smaller steps towards a goal.
I was inspired to join the SSE STEM Returners programme as I was keen to use my engineering skills to transfer to a low carbon industry. I have always wanted to work in the low carbon or renewable industry and SSE is a front runner on this, so I am very pleased to have joined the team at SSEN Transmission.
In terms of the interview process, interviews can always be somewhat daunting, but it makes it so much easier when you are genuinely excited about the role and the company. I also take the approach of giving it my 100% and hope this comes across at the time. The process itself was smooth and I was kept up to date at all times.
When I found out I’d been successful I was delighted! I joined the team in November 2020 and now work as an Assistant Engineer in the Project Engineering team within SSEN Transmission.
I’m currently working on projects which incorporate everything from making our substations more resilient to reducing our carbon emissions through the installation of PV panels and making buildings more efficient. My role is really varied which I am enjoying! Things move fast, there are a lot of interfaces and I feel I am really contributing to reaching net zero by decarbonising our energy network.
Having gone from not having any experience in the transmission industry to being able to discuss and contribute to creating engineering solutions with colleagues from all different disciplines is something I’m really proud to have achieved.
It is important that we keep working towards creating a network for net zero because we have to do everything possible to decelerate the effects being caused by climate change and the kind of energy we use has an important role to play. I want to develop my engineering knowledge and contribute towards projects which make a difference and I’m pleased with what I’ve already achieved in my time at SSEN Transmission.
The possibilities are endless at what you can work on to help power change at SSE, and I’d say to anyone who is considering applying for the STEM returners programme to just give it a try! It’s as good a time as any to make a change.
I’ve really enjoyed my time in Transmission so far and look forward to a bright future ahead of me.
SSE’s STEM Returners programme is set to reopen for applications later this year. Visit our careers page to find out more about what opportunities are available across the business.