Jade’s Story

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your current role at Siemens Energy?

I am a Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Apprentice working within the Grid Technologies – Substations Business Area at Siemens Energy. My role includes STEM Outreach and engagement, sustainability initiatives such as CO2 in the Supply Chain and Social Value reporting. The role allows me to combine my passion for sustainability with practical experience while contributing towards the energy transition and the wider social impact goals of the company.

What first attracted you to a career in the energy sector?

What first attracted me to a career in the energy sector was the chance to work in an industry that makes a real difference. The transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy is one of the biggest challenges and I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to that journey while developing my own skills and career. Many people think energy careers are only engineering-focused, but there are opportunities across sustainability, project management, finance, procurement, digitalisation and many other roles.

After completing your Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, what made you decide to continue your development through a Level 4 apprenticeship in Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability?

Once I had completed my Business Admin apprenticeship, I knew I had a passion for sustainability and wanted to make a difference where I could from previous experience in STEM. I also wanted to continue learning, gain more experience and progress in my own career, which is why I took the step of starting a new apprenticeship in a different business area of Siemens Energy. During my previous apprenticeship I had opportunities to support STEM activities and community initiatives, and I found these to be some of the most rewarding experiences. They showed me how businesses can influence not only their own operations but also the communities they work within.

I also recognised that sustainability was becoming more important across all industries, particularly within the energy sector. I wanted to develop knowledge in an area that is both personally meaningful and strategically important for the business.

What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned through your apprenticeships?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Some of the experiences that have helped me grow the most have been the ones that initially felt challenging including presenting to large groups, leading discussions with or organising large-scale events.

I’ve also learned that building relationships and networking is incredibly important. Connecting with colleagues across different teams and departments has helped me gain knowledge, develop confidence and discover opportunities that I may not have found otherwise.

Another lesson has been the importance of adaptability. No two days are the same in my role, and I often balance multiple projects with different priorities. Learning how to organise my workload, manage deadlines and respond to changing business needs has been important both professionally and personally.

What would you say to someone who thinks an apprenticeship might limit their future career options?

As someone who debated going through the University route, experiencing two apprenticeships has completely changed my perception on the typical education route. An apprenticeship has opened opportunities that I may not have had otherwise after I’ve gained qualifications, developed practical workplace skills, built a network of professional contacts and accumulated years of industry experience that I may not have gained through a traditional route. I’ve completed a Level 3 apprenticeship and progressed onto a Level 4 apprenticeship in a completely different area, which shows how flexible apprenticeships can be.

My experience has shown me that apprenticeships can provide multiple progression routes, including higher-level apprenticeships, professional qualifications and University if I wish to progress in the future.

What does Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability mean in practice, and why is it important?

It is ensuring that a business creates a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy while operating in an ethical and responsible way. This involves reducing carbon emissions, supporting local communities, diversity and inclusion, engaging employees in volunteering activities, and working with suppliers to improve sustainability across the supply chain.

What types of projects or initiatives have you been involved in through your role?

I have been involved in organising STEM events such as school site visits, STEMFest and co-ordinating volunteers to schools. I have also been involved in the DDA (Due Diligence Assessment) This measures CO2 in the supply chain, in which my role was to increase supplier completion.

How does your work help support communities, customers or wider society?

My role focuses on creating positive social impact within communities through STEM outreach activities, I help introduce young people to careers they may never have considered before. By organising school visits, careers talks and hands-on STEM activities, we can help students understand the opportunities available within engineering and the energy sector. Employee volunteering also allows Siemens Energy colleagues to share their skills, knowledge and experiences with local communities. These activities support education, improve employability awareness and help build stronger relationships. My work on supply chain sustainability contributes to wider environmental goals by supporting efforts to understand and reduce carbon emissions beyond our own operations.

These activities help create benefits for communities, support the future workforce, contribute to environmental objectives and strengthen the positive impact businesses can have on society.

What skills have you developed since joining Siemens Energy?

Since joining Siemens Energy, I have developed a broad range of professional and personal skills. My communication skills have improved significantly through working with colleagues, suppliers, schools, charities and external partners. I have become more confident speaking to different audiences and adapting my communication style depending on who I am engaging with. I’ve also strengthened my organisational and time-management skills by balancing apprenticeship studies alongside multiple projects and deadlines. Most importantly, my confidence has developed the most since working at Siemens Energy leading group sessions and speaking Infront of an audience has made me more self-assured.

In addition, I have developed skills in stakeholder management, data analysis, event planning, reporting, problem-solving and project coordination.

Have any aspects of your role surprised you since moving into the sustainability and social value area?

I have been surprised by the amount of travel and engagement opportunities involved. Visiting schools, attending events, meeting partners and collaborating with colleagues across different locations has given me experiences I wasn’t expecting when I first entered the role.

Another surprise has been how much data and reporting support sustainability initiatives. In every project there is a need to measure impact, demonstrate outcomes and future decisions.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career journey so far?

I particularly enjoy helping students understand that there are many different pathways into industry, including apprenticeships. Being able to share my own experiences and act as a relatable role model makes the work feel meaningful. Knowing that a conversation, event or experience could influence a student’s future career decisions is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.

What are your future career ambitions within the energy sector?

My long-term ambition is to continue developing a career within sustainability and corporate responsibility. I would like to deepen my knowledge of sustainability strategy, social impact measurement and supply chain sustainability while continuing to take on greater responsibility. The energy sector is evolving rapidly, and I want to be part of helping the organisation balance business success with environmental and social responsibility.

Why do you think the energy sector is an exciting place for young people to start their careers?

The sector also offers a huge variety of career opportunities. Whether someone is interested in engineering, technology, sustainability, project management, data analytics, finance or business operations, there is likely a role that matches their interests. Many of the jobs that will be needed in the future are still emerging, which creates exciting opportunities for young people to develop skills in new and evolving areas. Most importantly, it provides the chance to work on projects that have a meaningful and lasting impact on society.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship or early careers opportunity in the energy, power or gas sectors?

My advice would be not to worry if you don’t have your entire career planned out from the beginning. Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn, explore different opportunities and discover what interests you most. They provide a combination of practical experience, professional development and recognised qualifications that can support a wide range of future career paths. Be open to new experiences, ask questions, volunteer for opportunities and build relationships with the people around you. Some of the best learning experiences happen when you take on challenges that initially feel outside your comfort zone.

In three words, how would you describe a career in the energy sector?

Rewarding, impactful and progressive.