2 minute read
SSE Airtricity
SSE IRELAND
Sharing Knowledge
SSE ran a Knowledge Sharing Programme with support from Business in the Community, Ireland, for women from migrant communities qualified in engineering or environmental roles
SSE’s vision is to be a leading energy provider in a lowcarbon world, and its strategy is strongly based on a foundation of sustainability. SSE is committed to four core 2030 business goals, aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed to drive faster decarbonisation across the next decade (cutting carbon intensity by 80 per cent; increasing renewable energy output fivefold;
enabling low carbon generation and demand; and championing a fair and just energy transition). In addition to its sustainability goals, it has a strong relationship with Business in the Community (BITCI) and have committed to Inclusion and Diversity and BITCI’s Elevate Pledge.
Last year, SSE ran a Knowledge Sharing Programme with support from Business in the Community, Ireland. The programme focused on women from migrant communities living in Ireland and had representation from countries including Brazil and India.
“The women who participated were highly qualified in engineering or environmental roles within energy companies or similar in their home countries but since arriving in Ireland had found difficulties in obtaining employment in these sectors resulting in some taking up roles in the care or hospitality sector which did not match their skill set,” explains Mia Fahey McCarthy, Head of Sustainability, SSE Ireland.
‘Employability of Migrant Women in Ireland, 2020’—a survey commissioned by New Communities Partnership and part-funded by the Department of Justice, notes that,
“It is important to notice, however, that even if the number of employed migrant women seems high, that the data suggests that many of those who are employed are either underemployed or working in areas unrelated to their studies.”
LEARNING EXPERIENCE The participants in the Knowledge Sharing Programme took part in six sessions with colleagues across the business imparting knowledge of the context of the energy sector in Ireland on topics such as Irish energy policy, biodiversity, windfarm operations and grid operations. Human Resources also gave advice on applying for roles and offered to
Mia Fahey McCarthy, Head of Sustainability, Ireland- SSE
review participant CVs. Members of Engineers Ireland provided advice on getting overseas qualifications recognised in Ireland.
Another purpose of the programme was to provide a networking opportunity for the participants amongst themselves. Feedback from participants who took part noted that the presence of speakers from diverse positions within SSE “enabled the participants, who were from different backgrounds, to relate with the company,” and several noted that the discussions around climate change were particularly enlightening and beneficial.
“Several of the women who took part in the programme have gone on to find work more suited to their area of expertise. This is owing to their determination and refusal to let the barriers they experience stand in their way,” says Fahey McCarthy. After finishing the programme, four of the women have found employment in their fields, one as an engineer.
