Hollie Taylor is a Geo Environmental Engineer at Amey whose engineering journey was fuelled by her passion for the environment and a process-driven mindset. Her fascination with geology blossomed thanks to an enthusiastic teacher who brought the subject to life.

Recently honoured as a “Rising Star – Contribution to Gender Diversity” at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Conference and Awards, Hollie is a strong advocate for young girls, encouraging them to believe in themselves, build supportive networks, embrace challenges, and prioritise self-care as they navigate their careers. She is passionate about fostering greater diversity in the engineering field.

Today, we’ll explore her life and motivations, uncovering the insights and advice that have shaped her remarkable journey.

When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? 

I realised that a career in geo-environmental engineering was right for me when I combined my passion for the environment with my process-driven mindset and curiosity about how natural geological systems work.

Although there was no moment in particular for me, there was a particular teacher – Gareth Daniels. He was the most passionate and devoted teacher who pushed me into the wonderful world of geology. Even after all his years in the classroom he taught me and other students with such enthusiasm and unwavering support like it was his first day in the job. And that really stuck with me because I thought this must be an interesting subject if this one person could be so captivated by it for so long. I was fortunate to attend a school that offered Geology from GCSE to A level, with a practical-led course that perfectly complemented my process-driven nature. Seeing the theory come to life through hands-on experiences reinforced my interest and commitment to the field.

Gareth was exceptional at translating complex geological theories into practical applications, showing how they relate to various career paths. His ability to connect classroom learning with real-world scenarios made the subject even more engaging and relevant. This was how I first found interest in engineering.

How did you get into Geo-Environmental engineering?

I was always drawn to STEM subjects at school, thoroughly enjoying my studies in science and mathematics. This passion led me to the University of Liverpool, where I pursued a degree in Geology, providing me with a solid foundation in the field.

After taking a gap year to travel through New Zealand and Australia, I felt ready to start my career, though I was still uncertain about the specific path I wanted to take. I decided to enrol in a master’s program in Applied Environmental Geology at the University of Cardiff. This program delved into the practical aspects of geology and included a six-month work experience dissertation project. This opportunity allowed me to gain firsthand experience in a real working environment, helping me determine whether I would enjoy a career in the industry. And here I am.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

If you’re thinking about diving into the world of engineering, that’s amazing! You have incredible potential, so trust in your abilities and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Look for mentors and role models who inspire you—they can offer invaluable advice and support. Stay curious and keep asking questions, as your curiosity will be your greatest asset. Try to get as much practical experience as you can through apprenticeships/grad schemes, workshops, and projects to see how engineering applies in the real world. Build a strong network of peers and professionals, as networking can open up many opportunities. Embrace challenges as chances to learn and grow, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable in advocating for diversity and inclusion in engineering. Lastly, balance your work with self-care, as your well-being is just as important as your career. The world needs more women in engineering to bring fresh ideas and solutions, so go for it and enjoy the journey!

Curious about our #ShesAnEngineer series? Dive into our video series featuring women who are driving change and breaking down barriers in this male-dominated field. Discover their inspiring stories here: https://www.alexander-assoc.co.uk/women-in-engineering.

The UK engineering sector is booming, presenting numerous opportunities across various disciplines, although some areas are more competitive than others. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional seeking a change, finding your next role can be both exciting and challenging. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the job market and secure your ideal position.

1. Tailor Your CV

A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it in today’s competitive job market. Tailor your CV for each application. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that align with the specific requirements of the role. Consider structuring your CV in the following format, using the example of a Transport Planner:

Introduction: Begin with an introduction that presents who you are. This is also an opportunity to validate your experience and industry experience. e.g. Chartered Transport Planner with 20 years of experience in public and private sectors. Skilled in transport strategy, policy development, traffic flow modelling, and transport assessments. Expertise in public transport planning, contract management, and bus network reviews. Including these will help your visibility when recruiters/hiring managers are using keywords to search for CVs.

Key Skills: Include some bullet points about some of your areas of expertise such as project management and leadership, policy and strategy development, budget monitoring, bid development, stakeholder engagement and transport assessment. You can align these to the role you are applying for.

Experience: Outline your responsibilities and achievements in previous roles, emphasising specific contributions and measurable outcomes. Include statistics where possible. For positions held over 15 years ago, simplify the details to just job titles, companies, and dates. Be prepared to elaborate on these points during the interview if needed.

2. Leverage Your Network

Networking is a powerful tool in any job search. Attend industry events, webinars, and workshops to connect with professionals in your sector. Engage on platforms like LinkedIn by joining relevant groups, participating in discussions, and reaching out to industry leaders. A personal recommendation can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview.

3. Utilise Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies, particularly those specialising in your field, can provide valuable support throughout your job search. They have insider knowledge of the industry and often have access to unadvertised positions. By partnering with a recruitment agency, you can receive tailored advice, CV reviews, and interview coaching, making the process smoother.

4. Prepare for Interviews

Once you secure an interview, thorough preparation is essential. Research the company’s projects, values, and recent developments. Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with their requirements. Practice common interview questions and ensure you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively. Additionally, prepare a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview.

5. Stay Updated on Certifications and Training

Continuous professional development is crucial in the ever-evolving field of engineering. Stay updated on relevant certifications, training programs, and workshops that can enhance your skills. Many employers look for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, so showcasing your learning journey can set you apart.

6. Be Open to Temporary Roles

While you may have a specific role in mind, consider temporary or contract positions. These can provide valuable experience, expand your network, and sometimes lead to permanent opportunities. Many professionals start with temporary roles and eventually secure long-term positions as they prove their capabilities.

7. Follow Up

After interviews, don’t forget to send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression. Additionally, if you don’t hear back within the specified timeframe, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up politely to inquire about your application status.

8. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Job searching can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process. It’s important to stay positive and resilient. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and engage in activities that boost your morale. Remember that each application and interview is a learning experience that brings you one step closer to your goal.

9. Seek Feedback

If you find yourself facing repeated rejections, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from interviews or even from recruitment agencies. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help refine your approach moving forward.

Conclusion

Navigating the job market in the engineering sector requires a strategic approach and a proactive mindset. By researching the industry, tailoring your applications, leveraging your network, and continuously enhancing your skills, you’ll be well-equipped to find the right opportunity. Remember, persistence is key—your next great role could be just around the corner!

If you’re seeking your next job or want to learn more about the current market in your sector, feel free to reach out to us at:
Recruit@alexander-assoc.co.uk
01959 562 572

World Space Week 2024, celebrated from October 4th to 10th, brings attention to a pressing global issue—climate change. This year's theme, "Space & Climate Change," emphasises the pivotal role space technology plays in understanding, mitigating, and adapting to environmental shifts. Across the globe, satellites and space technology have become indispensable tools for monitoring our planet's health, and the UK is at the forefront of these advancements.

The Power of Space in Climate Action

In the past few decades, space technology has revolutionised the way we monitor the environment. Satellites now track everything from deforestation and polar ice melt to sea level rise and atmospheric CO2 levels. They provide real-time data that governments, scientists, and climate agencies rely on to shape policies and strategies aimed at combating climate change. For example, Earth observation satellites provide critical insights that are crucial for forecasting extreme weather events, understanding agricultural productivity, and managing natural disasters.

The theme of World Space Week 2024, "Space & Climate Change," underscores how innovations in space technology are driving climate action. But one nation in particular is playing a notable role in this endeavor: the UK.

The UK Space Sector’s Role in Climate Monitoring

The UK space industry has grown significantly in recent years, with the sector now contributing £17.5 billion to the UK economy annually. Employing over 47,000 people, the industry is a hub for cutting-edge research and development. At the heart of this boom is a concentrated effort to use space technologies to address environmental challenges. The UK Space Agency, in collaboration with private industry and academic institutions, has prioritised satellite technology that advances climate research and monitoring capabilities.

The UK is home to world-leading satellite manufacturers and data analytics companies that provide invaluable insights into environmental changes. One of the key programs supported by the UK Space Agency is the development of Earth observation satellites designed to improve our understanding of global climate systems. These satellites offer detailed data on:

• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Sea level fluctuations
• Deforestation patterns
• Ocean health and biodiversity

In fact, the UK Space Agency has been heavily investing in satellite systems and technologies that enable precise climate monitoring. As part of its National Space Strategy, the UK aims to enhance its capabilities in Earth observation, building on its partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other international organisations.

Key Investments in Satellite Technology for Climate Monitoring

In recent years, the UK government and its space agency have ramped up funding towards satellite technology to meet the challenges posed by climate change. For example:

1. Copernicus Earth Observation Program – The UK has remained a key contributor to the Copernicus program, one of the most advanced Earth observation systems in the world. Copernicus satellites monitor global climate data and offer open-access information that assists with everything from weather forecasting to long-term climate modeling.
2. £5 Billion Investment in Space Technologies – As part of the National Space Strategy, the UK government has committed to significant investments, including £5 billion over the next 10 years. Much of this funding is directed towards Earth observation, satellite communication, and environmental monitoring technologies, which directly support climate action.
3. International Collaboration – The UK Space Agency is also working on initiatives such as the ClimateSpace partnership, which brings together various international stakeholders to use satellite data to address climate issues. Collaborating with global agencies ensures the UK remains a key player in monitoring and addressing climate-related challenges.

Real-World Impact: Satellites in Action

Several UK-based companies and satellites are already making a difference. The UK’s NovaSAR-1 satellite, for instance, uses radar technology to monitor the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or daylight. This satellite has been used to track deforestation in the Amazon, a critical task in the fight against climate change.

Additionally, companies like Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and Earth-i are developing small, affordable satellites that can provide high-resolution Earth imaging, enabling more precise climate data. These innovations help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global efforts to monitor and combat climate change.

The Future of Space and Climate Action

As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, space technology will play an increasingly vital role in providing solutions. Oxfordshire-based business, Space Solar, hopes to launch the first solar farm into space with plans to power more than a million homes by the 2030s with mile-wide complex of mirrors and solar panels orbiting 22,000 miles above the planet. The innovative CASSIOPeiA design, tested successfully at Queen's University Belfast, demonstrated the ability to wirelessly beam energy from space to Earth. Space solar panels capture 13 times more energy than ground-based panels due to higher light intensity and the absence of atmospheric interference. This could revolutionise renewable energy systems and significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

As climate change intensifies, space technology will become increasingly essential. The UK’s investments in satellite technology and innovations like space-based solar power offer transformative solutions to environmental challenges. By leveraging space to monitor and mitigate climate impacts, the UK is shaping a sustainable future for both its economy and the planet.

The green energy sector in the UK is growing rapidly, driven by the need for sustainable solutions to combat climate change. In fact, renewable energy accounted for 42.8% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2023, according to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). As impressive as this figure is, the transition to a fully renewable energy system still faces significant challenges—ranging from technological limitations to fluctuating government policies. Engineers and technicians are at the heart of addressing these issues, pushing forward innovation to ensure the green energy sector reaches its full potential.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key challenges facing the green energy industry in the UK and the engineering solutions driving the sector toward a sustainable future.

1. Intermittency of Renewable Energy Sources: Solving the Storage Problem

One of the most pressing challenges in the renewable energy sector is the intermittency of sources like wind and solar. Renewable energy generation can fluctuate based on weather conditions, leading to periods of over- or under-supply. For instance, while wind power is an abundant resource in the UK, a particularly calm week can severely reduce energy production.

To counter this, engineers are developing advanced energy storage systems that allow excess energy to be stored during high production periods and released when demand peaks. Battery storage capacity in the UK grew by 45% in 2022, and further investment in grid-scale batteries and innovative storage technologies, such as pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage, is crucial. Engineers are also working on smart grid technologies that allow for more efficient energy distribution, adjusting supply dynamically based on real-time demand.

Takeaway: Investing in cutting-edge energy storage and smart grid systems is key to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy in the UK, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.

2. High Initial Costs of Green Energy Projects: Engineering Cost-Effective Solutions

Despite the long-term benefits of renewable energy, the high upfront costs of green energy projects remain a significant barrier for widespread adoption. Building infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms or solar arrays, requires considerable investment. While the costs of renewable technologies have dropped—offshore wind prices in the UK fell by 30% between 2017 and 2020—further cost reduction is necessary to make green energy more accessible.

Engineers are working on solutions to reduce the financial burden of green energy projects. This includes developing modular wind turbines that can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively, as well as scalable solar panels that are easier to install and maintain. In addition, there’s increasing collaboration between engineers and policymakers to secure government subsidies and long-term funding for green energy projects, ensuring that upfront costs don’t hinder progress.

Takeaway: By innovating cost-effective technologies and working alongside policymakers, engineers are making renewable energy more financially viable for both businesses and consumers.

3. Skills Gap in the Green Energy Sector: Upskilling the Workforce

As the green energy industry expands, the demand for skilled engineers and technicians has skyrocketed. The UK’s green energy sector is expected to create up to 440,000 jobs by 2030, according to the UK government. However, a growing skills gap threatens to slow this progress. Finding engineers with the necessary expertise in renewable technologies, energy storage, and grid systems remains a significant challenge for businesses in the sector.

To address this, companies are focusing on upskilling their existing workforce and partnering with educational institutions to develop specialised training programs. Apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in green technologies are on the rise, helping to bridge the skills gap. According to a report from the National Grid, over 200,000 roles related to energy efficiency and renewable generation will need to be filled by 2050. Engineering firms are also collaborating with universities to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in this fast-evolving industry.

Takeaway: Upskilling and attracting new talent to the green energy sector is vital to support the growing demand for renewable technologies and to ensure the UK remains a leader in the global energy transition.

4. Fluctuating Government Policies: Securing Long-Term Investment

The green energy sector is heavily influenced by government policies and regulations. Fluctuations in policy can create uncertainty for investors and companies, slowing down the development of renewable projects. For instance, changes to subsidy schemes or delays in green energy targets can put projects on hold, stifling innovation and investment.

Despite these challenges, collaboration between engineers and policymakers is helping to create a more stable regulatory environment. The UK government’s Net Zero Strategy is a step in the right direction, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050. Engineers are playing a critical role in advising policymakers on the most effective technologies and strategies to achieve these ambitious targets.

Takeaway: Building strong partnerships between the public and private sectors is essential to create stable policies that encourage long-term investment in green energy projects.

5. Sustainable Infrastructure: Engineers Leading the Way in Design and Development

Transitioning to a green economy requires sustainable infrastructure that supports the growth of renewable energy. Engineers are at the forefront of designing solutions that integrate renewable technologies with existing infrastructure while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Whether it’s the development of offshore wind farms, tidal power plants, or solar-powered urban areas, engineers are reshaping the UK’s energy landscape.

In 2023, the UK’s offshore wind capacity reached over 13 gigawatts, making it a global leader in this technology. However, expanding this capacity requires innovative infrastructure designs that balance energy production with environmental sustainability. Engineers are working on solutions such as floating wind farms, which can be deployed in deeper waters, and hybrid systems that combine solar and wind energy for greater efficiency.

Takeaway: Sustainable infrastructure design is essential to the future of green energy in the UK, with engineers playing a pivotal role in ensuring that new developments meet both energy demands and environmental goals.

Conclusion: Engineers Are Key to Unlocking the UK’s Green Energy Potential

The green energy sector in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate, but significant challenges remain. Engineers are leading the way in overcoming these obstacles, from solving the intermittency of renewable energy through advanced storage systems to reducing the high costs of projects through innovative designs. Addressing the skills gap and working closely with policymakers will be essential in ensuring long-term success.

About Alexander Associates

Since our founding in 1989, Alexander Associates has recognised the vital role engineers play across various industries. We specialise in connecting UK companies with the talented professionals essential for driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. Whether you need experienced engineers or are looking to develop a long-term hiring strategy, we're here to support your recruitment needs.

Ready to power the future? Let’s chat! Reach out to us to explore how we can help your business achieve its green energy goals.

Sources:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). (2023). UK Energy in Brief 2023. Available at: UK Government BEIS Report
• National Grid. (2020). Building the Net Zero Energy Workforce. Available at: National Grid Workforce Report
• McKinsey & Company. (2020). Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters. Available at: McKinsey Diversity Report
• Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). (2021). Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Trends. Available at: REC Report
• Women’s Engineering Society (WES). (2021). Statistics on Women in Engineering. Available at: WES Report
• UK Government. (2021). Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener. Available at: Net Zero Strategy
• LinkedIn. (2020). Global Recruiting Trends Report. Available at: LinkedIn Recruiting Trends