Unlocking Futures: The full-circle impact of volunteering to support the next generation of talent.

This month National Grid in partnership with Connectr won the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Initiative of the Year award at the Utility Week Awards.

 

Aside from this prestigious achievement being an excuse for me to swap my usual office attire for a stylish emerald, green gown (my latest bargain-buy off Vinted!) – it was an ideal time to celebrate the wide-reaching impact made by The London Power Tunnels project so far.

 

The programme has not only been future-proofing London’s energy network but thanks to skilled volunteers has enthused and engaged young Londoners about careers in the engineering and construction industry. Volunteers assist in providing secondary school pupils from some of the most deprived communities with practical, hands-on experiences to help address the STEM skills shortage.

 

So, what motivates people to volunteer? Well, being able to break away from your usual day-to-day work to share your experience, career journey and passion for what you do can lead to career-defining lightbulb moments. Young people who may not otherwise be aware of the many exciting opportunities available within your sector can be inspired by a new future direction.

 

We interviewed Divine Alesis Kuteesa, a Trainee Project Supervisor on the London Power Tunnels  project who volunteered with us to tell us more.

 

Why do you think it is important to volunteer your time to support students to find out about future opportunities?

 

Many students are not aware of the vastness of the opportunities available in their communities. Those that are, stigmatise themselves from these opportunities or are simply not sure how to reach them. 

I know this because that was me two years ago!All it took to change my perspective was one workshop that gave me the hope I needed to keep studying and be curious of my future possibilities. I hope that sharing my journey can inspire self-belief in what the world of energy has to offer. 

 

How did engaging with National Grid whilst at college help your career progression?

 

It made me aware of career possibilities that I didn’t know about before and made my work at college more purposeful as I started to understand the why behind every unit I studied. 

 

Why did you choose to come back into Merton College today to volunteer?

 

I am here to give back to the community that set a foundation for the opportunities I have received. If someone had not volunteered their time to come to Merton College years ago, I would not be where I am today. I do this to continue the cycle, feed the ripple effect and use every opportunity to do for others what was done for me. 

 

How would you describe your volunteering experience in 3 words?

 

Fulfilling, Fun and Therapeutic 😊

 

 

Thanks to volunteers like Divine, we’ve been able to connect with over 100,000 students through meaningful (and fun!) insight events, career talks, STEM workshops and assembly takeovers.

 

Additionally, volunteers build upon their own skillset too from simply getting involved. Benefits such as improved public speaking confidence, leadership development, team collaboration or ability to communicate company ESG goals all spring to mind!

 

Are you or your organisation ready to create a ripple effect in 2025?

 

Connect with us to talk about how to launch a skill-enhancing volunteer programme that inspires a future talent pipeline