According to the Global Wind Energy Council, women make up around 21% of the global wind energy workforce.
Here at Boston Energy, we understand the importance of ensuring women receive equal opportunities when it comes to pursuing a career in the wind industry, especially as a Wind Turbine Technician, and are dedicated to assisting more women reach their career goals in the renewable energy sector.
Our Women into Wind Scheme focuses on encouraging women to join the wind industry, making them aware of the possible career paths available, supporting them through the recruitment, training and mobilisation process, as well as supporting them with any career development once they have their foot in the door.
We sat down with Rebecca Hansen, an aspiring Wind Turbine Technician who we recently sent to Denmark to complete her SGTT training, to find out more about her journey in the wind energy industry with Boston Energy and what advice she would give other women looking to begin a career in wind energy.
Hi Rebecca Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I went to university to study Sports and Exercise Science, I then moved into a masters in Sports Psychology. I have always been sporty from being young, previously spending just shy of 10 year playing football for Newcastle United Women. I also spent a season in Iceland playing football on a semi-professional scholarship within this time. I have qualifications in sports coaching, fitness and personal training, and have spent some time working hands on with ages ranging from 5 years old – 20+ within numerous different sports and activity settings. I’ve always been quite active and a person that enjoys staying busy with sport.
I currently work within the energy sector, working as a sales team manager for a consultancy that provides energy contracts and green solutions for businesses. The company helps look at sustainability and cost management for businesses within the UK, and this is where I really first started to deal with green solutions, looking at the Net Zero targets for the UK and how to help companies contribute to this.
Outside of work I still play football, regularly go to the gym, and try to stay as active as possible. I am the type of person that enjoys pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone, and this includes doing activities such as: sky diving, go-karting, tree top climbing (i.e. go ape), or anything that is physically challenging or provides that adrenaline rush.
What made you want to get into the wind industry?
I have always had an interest in finding a job that would keep me active, something that would not restrict me to a desk-based role, and the ability to continuously learn and progress within an industry. I have family and friends within the Wind Industry, and they have always advised that this would be something suited to me and my personality. I feel that the normal constraints of a 9-5 job behind a desk is something that I find myself restricted within. Whereas, when looking at a role such as this, it allows you the ability to progress, you’re endlessly learning on the job, and I believe it also provides that challenge that I am always searching for both in my employment and in my day-to-day life.
Having spent some time working with green solutions in the energy sector, and knowing the benefits this provides, this has also driven me to look at a job that will not only be rewarding for myself, but will also be a job that is helpful and has a real purpose. I believe a job within the Wind Sector is just that.
How has Boston Energy supported your journey into wind so far?
So far, Boston Energy have been brilliant. I was advised by somebody within my GWO’s that Boston Energy are a company that will provide great support and commit to finding employees with the right mentality, then striving to help achieve their goals. Within my experience so far, I have already been provided with an incredible opportunity in going to Denmark and completing my SGTT training, which I am very grateful for and found to be a great experience – another feather to add to my hat.
The recruitment staff have been wonderful, continuously keeping me updated and working hard to help me find that step into the industry that I am desperate to get. I know that with Boston Energy, I am confident in finding not just a job, but a career.
What are you most looking forward to within your career?
With regarding to my wind career, I am most looking forward to the challenges that I will face and the progression path that you are able to create for yourself. I am the kind of person that continuously looks for ways to improve, always looking for new goals and ways in which I can progress – I feel a career in wind will provide me with exactly that! I am looking forward to breaking through the norms that this is a male based job, and proving to myself that I can strive to find success in this role. I am very excited to be in a job that allows me to learn every day, whilst being active, having a hands-on role, and pushing the boundaries.
What would you say to other women looking at the wind industry for their career?
Do it! Stepping outside of your comfort zone is where you achieve excellence, and there is no reason as to why a female cannot be great within a male orientated industry. I have proven that in my current role, and I intend on doing that within my wind career too. If you have your heart set on a job, and it ticks all the boxes for you, make that move towards it and you will not regret it – the opportunities are endless, and I am confident that any female that makes the jump will not regret doing so.
So there you have it! If you are a woman wanting to know more about the possibilities of a career in wind energy, we would love to hear from you and share more about the opportunities at Boston Energy! Please contact margojagiello@bostonenergy.co.uk to find out more!