Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Men may dominate the UK energy
sector, but leading wind developer West Coast Energy is bucking the
trend by employing a workforce with a female ratio that is 52 per
cent above the national industry average.
It is well documented that the
energy sector is predominantly a male trade, and statistics show
that women account for just 27 per cent of the energy and water
sector in the UK*. In addition, research states that women are less
likely to actively support the use of renewable energy**, with 91
per cent of men in Britain promoting green energy versus just 80
per cent of British women.
In contrast to the national average
West Coast Energy employs a 40 per cent female workforce, and women
hold three of the most senior positions within the company. Female
employees of the onshore wind developer state that they do not
believe a glass ceiling exists for women, nor that stereotypes of
masculinity and femininity serve to perpetuate gender gaps in
career choices.
Samantha Crosby, Senior Planning
and Development Manager for West Coast Energy, comments: "I do not
believe there are gender related barriers in the renewable energy
sector. As long as you are proactive, innovative and can work well
in multi-disciplinary teams, anyone can make a success of
themselves in the renewable energy industry."
West Coast Energy Planning Manager
Karen Elliott joined the renewable energy sector to pursue her
interest in helping to create a more sustainable environment for
future generations. She comments: "I have always been committed to
recycling and minimising the use of finite resources. There is too
much waste and lack of consideration for the environment in the
throwaway society that we live in.
"I relish the opportunity to work
with changing attitudes to climate change and follow the way
society is facing up to the associated issues."
Paula Jewson, Finance Director of
West Coast Energy, comments: "We believe in creating a working
environment which provides opportunities and benefits for all, and
I think the main reason we attract and retain so many female
employees is down to the organisational culture and camaraderie
between all personnel."
West Coast Energy Limited is a
leading independent wind energy developer based in Mold, North
Wales. The company was established in 1996 and operates
throughout the UK. Its team of highly experienced
professionals specialise in the identification, design, planning
and development of wind energy projects through to construction and
operation.
* Source: ONS 2010
** Source: GfK NOP Social Research
2009
