Alices ‘Lightbulb Moment’: Alice’s journey into green engineering
When 19-year-old Alice Hedley-Fenn first stepped into an E.ON office during a college work experience placement, she didn’t know it would be the start of her journey toward a career shaping the UK’s green energy future.
That experience turned out to be her ‘lightbulb moment’. The spark that led her to pursue E.ON’s Electro-mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship and study for a Bachelors in Electro-mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
As part of E.ON’s Lightbulb Moments campaign, we’re celebrating the sparks of curiosity and realisations that inspire people to choose a green career. Every journey into sustainable energy starts somewhere, whether that’s a conversation, a classroom, or a moment of inspiration, and through sharing stories like Alice’s, we hope to light the way for more young women to explore STEM and energy careers. Because every bright future starts with a lightbulb moment.
Now, Alice has just started her latest placement within E.ON’s Operations and Maintenance team, applying her learning to real-world projects that support our mission to deliver cleaner, smarter energy for everyone.
A spark of inspiration
“I first came across E.ON when I did a few days of work experience with their engineers,” Alice explains. “I really enjoyed my time there, and when I started looking into apprenticeships, the electromechanical course stood out. It combined the kind of work I’d enjoyed seeing first-hand with a degree that offered both mechanical and electrical disciplines which was something that felt really relevant for the future of engineering.”
That blend of hands-on experience and academic learning is what continues to motivate Alice. “Engineering has always interested me. I enjoyed maths and physics at school, and this scheme brings those together in a practical way. With the way technology and automation are evolving, learning both mechanical and electrical engineering just makes sense.”
Learning through doing
During her apprenticeship so far, Alice has worked in the Energy Infrastructure Solutions design team, supporting concept designs and early project stages for E.ON’s heat networks across the country. “It’s exciting to be involved in projects that have real impact,” she says. “Seeing my initials on drawings and documents that will actually be used in future works — that’s a great feeling.”
She’s also enjoyed the support and community that come with being part of E.ON’s apprentice network. “It’s nice to have a group of apprentices all doing similar things. We support each other, share ideas, and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.”
Overcoming challenges and growing in confidence
Like many young engineers, Alice has faced the challenge of adapting to the balance between studying and working full-time. “There was definitely a steep learning curve for my time management skills, but I’ve found what works for me,” she says. “We get one study day a week for lectures and coursework, and my managers are really supportive. They want me to succeed just as much at university as I do at work.”
Alice’s biggest learning so far? “That it’s okay to ask questions. Everyone’s been new once, and people at E.ON are always willing to help. I’ve learned that asking questions is how you learn fastest.”
Finding her place in engineering
Choosing an apprenticeship was a natural decision for Alice. “I never liked the idea of traditional university learning. I prefer learning through doing and having real tasks and projects that move my education forward.”
As a woman entering what’s still a male-dominated field, Alice admits she had some initial apprehension, but that quickly faded. “Everyone I’ve met at E.ON has been supportive and encouraging. I was never really worried about choosing a ‘male’ career path as I knew engineering was something I wanted to do.”
Lighting the way for others
Alice’s story is one of curiosity, confidence, and care for the planet — qualities that define E.ON’s next generation of green engineers. “My role is a green job, as so many are in E.ON,” she says. “Considering sustainability and the impact of our work is something every modern company should be doing. Developing green skills isn’t just a career choice, it’s essential for our future.”
Her advice for others, especially young women thinking about a degree apprenticeship, is simple: “Go to an apprenticeship fair and talk to people. Explore your options. An apprenticeship is a great way to get a degree and real experience without the debt of university and you’ll be contributing to something that really matters.”
Every bright future starts with a lightbulb moment
Alice’s journey is part of E.ON’s Lightbulb Moments campaign which celebrates the sparks of inspiration that lead people into green careers. Through stories like Alice’s, we hope to inspire more young women to explore the possibilities of STEM and the growing world of sustainable energy.
If Alice’s story has inspired your own lightbulb moment, discover more about our Degree Apprenticeships and Early Careers opportunities at eon-uk-careers.com/early-careers.
Because every bright future, and every green career, starts with a lightbulb moment.