As part of our 25th Anniversary celebrations, we are interviewing some of our amazing team members to highlight their unique contributions, celebrate their achievements and share their stories.

Tell us about your experience working with Energy & Utility Skills.

I’ve been with Energy & Utility Skills for 18 years, which feels incredible. My previous role was straight out of university, and despite it feeling like my “big” job at the time, I’ve been here twice as long.

When I joined, I started as an Assistant Strategy Manager for the waste sector. Back then we had Strategy Managers and Assistant Managers dedicated to each industry, along with a sizable engagement team. Over the years, we’ve streamlined, becoming leaner and more focused, adapting to the changing landscape of our industry.

As a Key Account Manager, I manage relationships with members, focusing on the regulated water industry and waste management and recycling. I collaborate with stakeholders, including water companies, regulators, and government bodies, to understand client needs, deliver effective solutions, and to develop and maintain strong relationships. Additionally, I support key initiatives like the Competent Operator Scheme and the National Water Hygiene Scheme.

What do you like most about working for Energy & Utility Skills?

What I like most is the variety of work and the people we engage with—it’s a fascinating sector and the organisation is constantly evolving to support it. On a personal level, one of the things I value is the freedom to plan my own schedule this offers a level of autonomy and flexibility that really supports my development.

Hybrid working option is another great benefit. The ability to work from home, catch up with colleagues in the office or on external visits with clients supports a productive work-life balance. The office culture and people make it a great place to work.

What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen during your time here?

It’s been quite a journey. When I first joined, we were licenced and funded by government using core funding to develop solutions for the sector. One of these funded projects was the development of the Competence Management System, which revolutionised how companies demonstrate technical competence for environmental permits. Over time, with the removal of government funding we’ve undergone a significant shift towards a more commercial focus.

Another significant change has been the diversification of our services, such as the introduction of end-point assessment and qualifications. It’s been fascinating to move beyond our core EUSR brand and explore new ways to support both the workforce and new talent into the industry.

What has stayed the same through the changes, and what has kept you at Energy & Utility Skills?

For me, the variety and breadth of the role is incredible – no two days are the same. But underpinning it all is a shared purpose: ensuring safety and competence of the workforce. That’s been a constant.

Energy & Utility’s mission has people at the heart of it. Encouraging collaboration to develop industry standards and schemes to reduce risks to create safer environments has remained central to what we do.

Describe working for Energy & Utility Skills in three words.

Rewarding, challenging, and supportive.

It’s difficult to capture everything in just three words, but these come close. The company provides all the tools and support needed to perform your role effectively.

It’s a supportive environment that fosters growth, even when challenges arise. Those challenges are not roadblocks; they’re opportunities for us to grow and improve, which makes the work highly rewarding. The support we receive, combined with the constant push for improvement, makes working here both fulfilling and exciting.