Our Women in Engineering
Women in Engineering Day celebrates incredible women and in honor of this we wanted to showcase some of our incredible Engineers. We want to highlight the success of the Women at Natural Power and celebrate their success. There is no direct route into engineering, and it is never too late to pursue a career in this field. These women show what hard-work, determination and challenging stereotypes can lead to. We are extremely proud of them all.
My name is Aurélie and I’m a senior project manager within the Construction Team of Natural Power France.
What made you want to go into a career in engineering?
The essence of engineering is creativity. This intrinsic motivation to question and explore drove me to pursue further studies beyond my Baccalauréat.
How did you find your way into an engineering role?
After completing my scientific Baccalauréat, I pursued a degree in physics to become a meteorological engineer. I completed three years of study and earned my degree in physics, but ultimately had to shift my focus due to personal circumstances. My father, responsible for laying and renovating drinking water networks, served as a significant source of inspiration, and thus I naturally continued my university studies in geological and civil engineering.
My name is Charly Jackson, and I am an authorised technician for Natural Power. I work on Nordtank 600kw and Senvion MM82 machines.
What made you want to go into a career in engineering?
I have always had a keen interest in renewables and to be able to work on projects that can help build a better future for the environment really was a motivation for me to push myself to start a career as a wind turbine technician. Also, that there’s plenty of opportunities to progress in your career and gain new skills to learn.
How did you find your way into an engineering role?
I went to South Ayrshire College and studied at City and Guilds on the Wind Turbine Technician course. I then accepted a job with Natural Power as a trainee technician and worked my way up to becoming an authorised technician.
My name is Angelika Gibula, and I am Head of Service at Natural Power Services. As the Head of Service, I am wholeheartedly committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients. I lead a dedicated team of 60 wind turbine technicians and engineers, overseeing operations across 10 wind farms and over 300 wind turbines. Our mission is to fulfil service routines, address faults and breakdowns, and design innovative retrofit solutions to ensure that wind turbines operate seamlessly, generating sustainable energy and prosperity for our clients.
What made you want to go into a career in engineering?
The journey to my current profession was quite unexpected. When I was younger, I really wanted to become an architect. Unfortunately, in the socio-political context of Poland at that time, pursuing a career in architecture seemed impossible without influential connections. It took me almost ten years after finishing my education to figure out what I really wanted to do. A turning point came when I applied for an administrative position in the OEM service department, where I quickly developed a deep fascination for technology. Even now, I have a strong admiration for the incredible capabilities of wind turbines and the endless possibilities they represent. I see these machines as amazing marvels that symbolize our future. Being part of the ever-evolving world of technology has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my professional journey.
How did you find your way into an engineering role?
I discovered my passion for the wind energy industry when I began working at an OEM company. Previously, I was studying at a teaching university in Poland without a clear career path. At 20, I took a leap and moved to Scotland with only £150 in my pocket to be with my now husband. Over the next decade, I explored different industries to find my true passion and eventually secured a role in the service and operations team of a leading wind turbine manufacturer. I dedicated long hours to studying technical drawings of gearboxes, aiming to understand every aspect of the machinery. The wall behind my desk was adorned with technical drawings of gearboxes as I meticulously familiarized myself with each component. Our team managed over 100 sites with more than 1100 wind turbines, and my commitment to excellence drove me to uphold the highest standards for all projects. This determination has been crucial to my professional growth. Although I acknowledge that there is always more to learn, my deep understanding and experience in the industry now allow me to effectively lead a team of highly skilled specialists.
My name is Karen Gifford, and I am a senior project manager in the Construction team. I am based at the Stirling office but get to travel to different locations as part of my job.
What made you want to go into a career in engineering?
I really enjoy the problem solving and management & organisation aspects of renewable energy projects, particularly when I get the opportunity of learning new skills and technology.
How did you find your way into an engineering role?
I started my career in Natural Power as a project assistant in the construction team and have worked my way through the roles and responsibilities associated with the project management of renewable construction projects up to my current position of senior project manager. During my employment at Natural Power. I undertook a degree in Quantity Surveying to support my career enhancement (and to prove to myself that I could do it!!).