Faye Banks was recently deputy hair of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Council and has just become a visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Faye left school at 16 with no formal qualifications and started working at a manufacturing plant, where she realised she wanted to pursue a career in electrical engineering. Since then, the highlights of her career have been working at Siemens as head of customer services in digital grid and achieving the youngest ever Fellowship of the IET.
“Throughout the UK currently 12% of engineers are female, which is disappointing. If you are a girl and you are thinking about it, go for it, we have a skills gap in the UK which is creating many opportunities for you.”
My career
At the outset of my career, I undertook an advanced apprenticeship in electrical engineering in the manufacturing sector. On completion, I moved into the utilities sector gaining operational, commercial and asset management experience throughout the water, electrical transmission and distribution sectors leading some major capital projects including EHV (extra-high voltage) substation design and build contracts.
I have also spent time working as a technical consultant for the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy undertaking a review of the UK engineering standards, which was very exciting as this work will lead to future policies being set.
I now work for Siemens as head of customer services – digital grid, where I lead the retail, networks delivery and digital services team. This means that I have direct responsibility for leading the delivery of customer projects and services. I also have to ensure my area delivers against operational performance indicators and contracted service level targets.
I’m responsible for overseeing delivery of improvement and innovation initiatives so the business can realise tangible business benefits in areas like EHS (environmental health and safety), compliance and through our People Plan etc. I also have full responsibility to develop and deliver on programmes like productivity of offshore turbine towers. I’m responsible for efficiency work programmes too, which save the business cost. Due to the variety and volumes of our contracts, every workday is different for me and I love this I am also currently undertaking a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) at Sheffield Hallam University, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Engineering a better world
As a diverse home across engineering and technology, the IET shares knowledge that helps make better sense of the world in order to solve the challenges that matter. It’s why the IET is uniquely placed to champion engineering. One of its biggest remits is helping to inspire the next generation of young people to get excited about, and take an active interest in, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (otherwise known as STEM) – both at school and as a career.
The current world for engineering
Throughout the UK currently 12% of engineers are female, which is disappointing. If you are a girl and you are thinking about it, go for it, we have a skills gap in the UK which is creating many opportunities for you. Gaining a career in engineering has changed my life, it’s given me some amazing experiences and I would recommend a career in engineering to anyone considering this option.
COVID-19 is currently having an impact on many businesses throughout the UK but as the UK Government will be announcing major investment in infrastructure projects this provides many opportunities for engineers, so well paid and fulfilling careers are within your reach.
From leaving school at 16 with no formal qualifications to being appointed visiting professor for the Royal Academy of Engineering
I sit on the IET’s Council and I’ve recently received confirmation that I have successfully achieved a position as a visiting professor at The Royal Academy of Engineering. I will take up this post in September this year and I can’t wait.
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