How National Grid is inspiring the future energy workforce

For Gemma Feltham, a community benefit advisor at National Grid, it’s about more than infrastructure – it’s about people.

In her role, Gemma is helping shape how National Grid can best support those living near its projects.

“I never expected to work in infrastructure and construction, but once I did, I realised how rewarding it could be,” she said.

“Before joining National Grid, I worked in equality, diversity and inclusion for six years, and before that in publishing and events. It’s been a varied career, but I wanted to do something different and more meaningful.

“It’s a role that allows me to connect with people, understand their needs, and help deliver meaningful engagement.”

Gemma is now helping shape how National Grid engages with communities and supports them through initiatives like school workshops, skills fairs and local partnerships.

One highlight in Gemma’s calendar this year was the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair, held at Suffolk New College in Ipswich on November 3.

The event brought together more than 50 organisations and welcomed more than 3,000 students aged 14-24.

“Our presence at the fair was part of a wider commitment to inspire the next generation of energy professionals,” Gemma said. “We sponsored the Energy Zone, which allowed us to talk about the energy transition and the exciting career pathways available at National Grid.”

The team’s stand featured fun, hands-on experiences, including a VR headset simulation that let students virtually climb a National Grid pylon. “It was designed to spark curiosity and give a realistic glimpse into life in the field,” Gemma explained.

“It worked really well. Many students were genuinely engaged and asked thoughtful questions about what we do.”

Throughout the day, the team spoke with hundreds of students, teachers and visitors, answering questions and sharing stories.

Volunteers from the Bramford to Twinstead project also played a key role. They shared personal experiences, explained why The Great Grid Upgrade is needed and highlighted the variety of roles available across the company.

“Some students even recognised our team from previous school workshops,” Gemma recalled. “That kind of continuity matters – it shows we’re building real relationships.”

Reflecting on the event, Gemma added: “If we keep attending these events, then by the time students are thinking seriously about their careers, National Grid might just be first on their radar.”

The event is just one example of how Gemma and the project teams are connecting with communities.

This year, National Grid returned to both the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair and the Festival of Knowledge, with Gemma helping to plan and deliver both events.

“We’re starting to really strengthen our engagement with schools,” she said.

“It’s not just about raising awareness of the energy transition but showing there’s a role for everyone – not just engineers. We need planners, communicators, analysts, and more.”

At the Festival of Knowledge, a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce event where National Grid teamed up with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), the focus was again on inspiring future energy leaders.

Across these two events alone, the team engaged with more than 7,000 students and visitors, including college staff and older attendees interested in apprenticeships and graduate schemes.

“For some students, this wasn’t the first time they’d heard about National Grid,” Gemma said. “That’s why we keep going, to build familiarity and trust over time, making sure people know what opportunities are out there.”

As National Grid continues to invest in regional engagement and skills development, Gemma’s role remains central to ensuring that communities feel informed, involved and inspired.

“I didn’t know much about infrastructure before I joined,” she added. “But now I see how important it is, not just for energy security, but for the people living near our projects. We’re here to make a difference.”

With events like the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair and the Festival of Knowledge, Gemma is helping to build a workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Her journey is a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line and that meaningful work can begin with a single step into something new.