Meet the Team: Thea Groat

We’re shining a spotlight on team members who are working to help power change and deliver a network for Net Zero across Scotland.  This month, we’ve caught up with Thea Groat, Project Administrator for the Shetland HVDC Link project, which once complete will see Shetland connecting to the GB energy system for the first time.   

How long have you worked for SSEN Transmission?

Almost one year.

How did you get started in your career – what did you do before joining SSEN Transmission?

I left college with a HNC in Business and went into a full-time admin position, still unsure of what I really wanted to do but keen to learn and start to gain experience.  I have had various admin roles throughout the years in different sectors.   

What inspired you to join SSEN Transmission?

This is the biggest project in Shetland right now and has never been experienced here before. Being local I was keen to get involved and saw it as a great opportunity for my career.  I have never worked in construction before meaning this is all completely new to me! It’s a great time for SSE and I look forward to seeing where it takes me in the future.  

What qualifications do you need for your role?

Good communication skills, the ability to work using my own initiative, experience in an admin role.  

Talk us through a brief typical day in your job.

My main role is to provide administrative support to the Project Team on site at Kergord, liaising with visitors and attending meetings via Microsoft Teams. As well as my usual tasks, I’m also given opportunities to take on work out with my role to improve my skills and gain more knowledge of the project, which is extremely valuable.  

What is the best part of your role?

I really enjoy working on site with the team, they are a great bunch with lots of skills and experience behind them and I learn something new every day engaging with them. I also enjoy having the opportunity to go out on site and see first-hand the different phases of a construction project.  

What is your proudest achievement so far at SSEN Transmission?

I am proud to have been part of the project from the beginning, getting to experience the different stages leading towards completion of the first multi-terminal HVDC system in Europe.   

How do you help power change?

Being part of SSEN Transmission we are playing a crucial role in the transition to a low carbon future by delivering renewable energy to the National Grid and connecting Shetland to the National Grid for the first time.  

Why is it important that we create a network for net zero?

A network for net zero sets out a pathway for the north of Scotland who are playing a key role in keeping global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees. This is consistent with what is required to prevent the worst effects of global warming.  

Thea is one of the team working on the Shetland HVDC Link project.  Learn more about the project here: Shetland (ssen-transmission.co.uk)