Q&A: Working to create a more sustainable world

Who are you, what is your job role and what do you do?

I am a Sustainability Consultant Apprentice at Schneider Electric, working in legislative and reporting compliance. In my role, I help large companies to regulate their energy consumption, in line with legislative guidance from the government. 

To support my day-to-day role, I also study Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) as part of my apprenticeship. This has allowed me to really explore social and governance best practice in organisations and what that should look like. Through this, I’ve been able to broaden my understanding of the extensive scope of sustainability.

Additionally, I am Chair of the Apprenticeship Committee at Schneider Electric, helping to arrange events and networking opportunities for apprentices. We host everything from Q&As to quiz nights, and invite past apprentices along to talk about their transition into full-time employment. The central aim is to come together, gain greater insights into the industry, and explore as many networking opportunities as possible.

Can you tell us about any current projects that you’re working on?

I work across multiple projects in my role, with a key focus on supporting large companies to be compliant when it comes to regulating their energy usage. I am across projects predominantly in the UK. These include voluntary relief schemes like the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) under the Climate Change Levy, as well as mandatory assessments, such as the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). There is a European version of this scheme known as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), which I also work with international companies on, as well as other schemes across the UK and EU including the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 

The role entails a mix of technical know-how, like analytics skills, and softer ones such as leadership and communication. I really enjoy bringing both elements to the table, and, given the apprenticeship offers a great opportunity for on-the-job learning, this allows me to be hands-on in my role.

What was your career path and how did it lead you to where you are now?

I began my journey by pursuing a manufacturing and engineering Level Three BTEC qualification at college. During this time, however, I realised my passion lay in the cleaner side of engineering, and so I decided to switch to A-levels instead. 

I still wanted a more hands-on approach, so for a time I worked elsewhere in metal crafting. I then decided to return to my original interest in environmental engineering – which was when I discovered Schneider Electric. 

In September 2023 I began my apprenticeship, which has been instrumental in launching my career in sustainability and opening up a clearer route for me. Working in an international team across Europe and India, I have been very fortunate to learn from lots of people who bring different ideas and perspectives to the table. As an apprentice, working alongside people who are already in the field has enabled me to be confident in my career ahead. 

Given my remit with international teams, I am also able to work fully remotely. This has been hugely beneficial as I live a few hours away from the closest office, so it gives me a lot of flexibility.

What do you enjoy most about your current role and company?

I am incredibly passionate about sustainability, and it’s a sector that is growing rapidly. As an apprentice who is learning and applying knowledge on the job, I’ve had the opportunity to really grow with it, which is hugely exciting. Regulation and requirements are evolving all the time, meaning current professionals are learning at the same time as myself. This is a huge advantage to me as it gives me a strong head start to excel and progress quickly in the sector.  

Schneider Electric is a company that aligns so much with my values and passion. As well as sustainability at the heart of its mission, it’s also a very supportive and collaborative culture that’s committed to equal opportunities. Whatever level you’re at, everyone has the opportunity to communicate freely and really build each other up. 

I also love learning on the job. The apprenticeship has been an incredible path to take because I can showcase my skills and abilities in a way that’s best for me. I was never a huge fan of exams and felt in a box at school, with everyone taught to follow a similar path. Being able to take a different route where I can receive a qualification at the same time as gaining valuable work experience has really helped me to thrive.

What would be your main piece of advice to students looking to pursue a career in engineering?

Sustainability is a 'hot topic' and it’s increasingly becoming more important to people, especially younger generations, to be part of a company that takes it seriously. A career in engineering and technology presents a prime opportunity to make a real difference in this area and grow with a company on its sustainability journey. As the regulatory landscape evolves, a lot of companies will encounter barriers to growth if they are not demonstrating sustainable practices, so this talent will be highly sought after to help make a positive impact.  

Also, as a woman in STEM, what really inspired me when I began my career was seeing other women in engineering roles. It made me think, why can’t I do that as well? So, I think it’s really important for companies to hold up the ladder to success and show that they are very inclusive. This really helps to give people the confidence to just go for it!

India-Grace Humphries, Sustainability Consultant Apprentice at Schneider Electric.

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities. 

Click here for more content.