Green Careers Week: Celebrating careers in renewables
31 October 2024
MCS is celebrating Green Careers Week, 4 – 9 November 2024, to raise awareness of exciting careers in renewable energy and heating. With over 5,000 certified contractors on the Scheme and the MCS redevelopment launching in January 2025, now is an exciting time to kickstart a green career in the renewables sector.
We recently caught up with a few members of our team to hear about their career journey, and how they feel about working together to give everyone confidence in home-grown energy:
- Leah Harston, Scheme Administration Assistant
- Joe Dawson, Technical Assessor
- Elise Helsby, Management Accountant
- Lucy McKenzie, Technical Manager
What is your role at MCS?
(Leah): My role is Scheme Administration Assistant. I help with queries directed to Alex, our Head of Scheme, support the Scheme Insights team with data queries, organise Scheme Committee meetings, and prepare monthly and quarterly reports for both internal and external stakeholders.
(Joe): I’m a Technical Assessor in the Certification and Compliance team. I improve technical standards within the MCS installer community by assessing solar PV installations as part of our proactive surveillance program.
(Elise): I’m a Management Accountant so my key responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day financial operations, assist in preparing monthly management accounts, finance business partnering and financial analysis.
(Lucy): I’m Technical Manager at MCS. I work with our Technical Working Groups to develop and maintain MCS standards, conduct research in relevant technical subjects and engage heavily with wider industry to tackle technical challenges with renewable technologies.
How did you come to work for MCS?
(Lucy): I’ve always been passionate about the environment, but after university, I fell into a quality control role in the oil and gas industry. While I enjoyed the technical side, I felt uneasy about working in an industry that causes so much harm to our planet. So, I began studying for a master’s degree in environmental engineering and was hired by MCS as a Technical Officer midway through my studies. Now, as Technical Manager, I’m proud to work for a company that ensures quality installations, which is key to giving everyone confidence in renewables.
(Joe): Before joining MCS, I was a qualified electrician, working both employed and self-employed, on everything from connecting solar panels and installing EV charge points to rewiring homes. I wanted to work for MCS because I believe renewable energy is key in helping the UK reach its net zero goals, and I wanted to be part of that journey.
(Elise): I have worked in finance for over 8 years and have always had a strong passion for environmental issues. The role at MCS caught my attention because of their commitment to quality in the renewable energy sector.
(Leah): Before MCS, I had no previous experience in the renewables sector – in fact I worked at a veterinary charity helping people get treatment for their pets who can’t afford or don’t have access to traditional vets. I love nature and thought renewables would be an area I’d enjoy.
How do you feel about being part of MCS and giving everyone confidence in home-grown energy?
(Leah): Working at MCS is one of the best experiences. I feel like I’m part of something special and surrounded by such a great bunch of people who always encourage me to be the best version of myself. Also, being part of a team that’s majority female is fantastic and definitely something to celebrate in a predominantly male industry like renewables!
(Joe): I feel incredibly proud to be a part of the MCS team, helping build consumer and installer confidence in renewable energy. Home-grown energy is something people can take pride in, and it’s great knowing I’m helping to ensure renewable technologies are efficient and safe.
(Lucy): I think the part of my role that makes me feel best is the fact I am often one of very few women in a meeting room. My role is highly technical which traditionally is more appealing to men. I strongly believe diversity is key and I thrive in bringing a different perspective to the table.
(Elise): I’m proud to be a woman in a predominantly male dominated sector and contribute to an organisation that promotes renewable energy and ensures high standards of quality. It is empowering and rewarding to be part of a team that is helping to create a sustainable future for everyone.
Tell us something exciting you’re working on.
(Lucy): I’m currently involved in an exciting heat pump monitoring project that will help us identify the key factors affecting heat pump performance. The results will contribute to strengthening MCS Standards, making them even more robust and reliable. On a personal level, I’m also completing a course in Solar Energy Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, which will improve ability to input into technical discussions with MCS Working Group Members regarding the engineering aspects of designing PV systems.
(Leah): I’m currently enrolled on the Future Leaders Programme – it’s a nine-month experience which equips you with leadership skills to tackle climate change related issues, as well as invaluable interpersonal skills that can be used both in and out of the workplace.
(Joe): My team and I are currently gearing up for next year’s Scheme redevelopment and discussing how it will affect our day-to-day work patterns.
(Elise): I recently completed my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) studies, which was both exciting and relevant due to its focus on sustainability in business. It also introduced me to the growing field of green finance, which I think is crucial to the success of the renewables industry.
What advice would you give to people who are considering a green career in the renewables sector?
(Elise): I would encourage everyone to join the renewables sector – there’s so many opportunities, and it’s incredibly rewarding no matter your role. We’re all working towards the same goal!
(Leah): Before joining MCS I had no prior knowledge of renewables (or Excel for that matter) and now I can confidently handle most renewable queries, as well as create data reports using Excel without a second thought! If you find a company that is willing to help you grow like MCS, then there’s no turning back.
(Lucy): Don’t be intimidated by those with more experience than you – it’s an emerging industry and everyone is always learning. The key to growth is staying just outside your comfort zone!
(Joe): There’s something for everyone within the industry regardless of your background or experience. I would encourage anyone to join the renewables sector and kickstart their career into something that can help change the world.
From talking to our team, it’s clear that a career in renewables is exciting and rewarding. With over 5,000 certified contractors on the Scheme and the MCS redevelopment launching in January 2025, now is an exciting time to kickstart a green career in renewables.
To find out more about green careers and the current opportunities available, visit the Green Careers Hub here.