Q&A with Nicole Jackson - Design Assurance Specialist

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Tell us about yourself

I have always been good at maths and enjoyed the practical applications of science. I was in the RAF, training to become an aircraft engineer, but early on sustained a knee injury which meant I was medically unfit to serve. I then decided to focus on University and study Systems Engineering. This lead to a placement at National Grid in a maintenance function and I never looked back. I have become a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and also previously chaired the Pipeline Industries Guild Midlands Branch.  

What does your current role involve?

I started with Cadent as a graduate in 2014 and completed 3 placements in Data Assurance, Scheduling and Dispatch and on the Mobility Project. I then started a full time role as a Technical Officer in Performance and Assurance. This gave me the opportunity to work in operations and build up my technical competency, as well as supporting on gas incidents and completing RIDDOR reporting. Since this role, I moved into CMAC doing design and programme assurance on the mains replacement programme in the East of England, working with our contractor tRIIO to ensure the work they complete has the required mix in order to meet our regulatory and statutory obligations. I also consider engineering deviations and track delivery against the contract, along with forecasting for our regulatory reports.

You recently became a Women's Engineering Society (WES) Ambassador - tell us about that

I am passionate about engineering and feel it is a career path many women do not have visibility of growing up and I want to change that. I was fortunate to be supported in my love for science and maths, but many girls and women do not see it as a career option for them with a typical stereotype of what an engineer is. I want to showcase Cadent as a great place to work in a technical role and to support the business becoming a more inclusive company for people from a variety of backgrounds that want to get into engineering.

Diversity & Inclusion at Cadent

Diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of who we are as a business. Find out more about what you can expect as a Cadent employee.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

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