What if your first role built a greener energy future?

BAM’s Graduate Programme is now open to new applicants! We hear from former graduate Bethan Cameron to learn more about her role in engineering the renewable energy infrastructure critical to keeping the country’s lights on. 
 

I’ve always had a passion for engineering… for maths and science, problem-solving and building things that matter. When I joined the BAM Graduate scheme two years ago, I was excited to see where engineering could take me. 

I grew up in Scotland, studied at Strathclyde University and was inspired by a work placement in the construction industry. Now I’m a site engineer, working on one of Scotland’s biggest renewable energy projects, the SSEN Transmission Creag Dhubh substation.

A career that powers the future with green energy

The Creag Dhubh project is the construction of a new electricity substation, that will connect renewable energy to the transmission network, supporting our progress towards a net zero electricity grid. 

As an engineer, there’s something special about working on a project with a purpose like this, a project that solves a real human problem. At BAM, everything we build has an impact on the people and communities who will use it – be it a new school, bridge, or train station – but this project will impact the whole of the UK, making it greener and more resilient.

There’s a huge amount of energy generated in Scotland’s offshore wind farms, but much of that is lost, without ways to transmit it to National Grid or store it for less windy days. And that’s exactly what these substations do – they link this valuable renewable energy with the National Grid, where it can be used to power our homes, hospitals, schools and offices. On a windy day, energy from wind turbines can supply up to 50% of the country’s energy needs, so the potential here is huge.

A role that can take you anywhere

One of the things that attracted me to working in construction and engineering is that it’s a career that can take you anywhere. As a young person, there’s no denying that living and working away from home can be daunting, but being part of a supportive site team helps with this.

There are about 30 of us on-site, we’re a tight-knit team. Working so closely with the same group of people every day brings its own rewards - it’s a supportive environment and I’ve learned so much from the experienced team around me. In the last two years, I’ve progressed from Assistant Site Engineer to Site Engineer and I’m working towards my Chartership with the support of my team.

It’s also great getting to know the local community where we’re working. We engage with local schools, colleges and universities, showing them what we’re building and telling them about the opportunities available within engineering.  It’s rewarding to inspire the next generation and show them the vital role they could play in building a sustainable future.

Looking forward

As I continue to grow in my career, I’m excited about the possibility of working on other renewable energy schemes, such as a hydro project like Coire Glas. The idea of working on a variety of green energy projects, each with its own unique challenges and rewards, keeps me motivated and passionate about what lies ahead.

Renewable energy isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a better, more sustainable future for all of us. And I can’t think of a better way to spend my career.