Lucia's 'Lightbulb Moment’: How Lucia found her path into a green career

“My parents used to call me mammina (little mummy in Italian!) because I’ve always liked things to be organised and in order,” Lucia said. “When my brother went off to university, I realised that a full-time university route wasn’t right for me. That was my ‘lightbulb moment’ when I understood there was another way to learn, work, and build a career.”

That realisation led Lucia to E.ON’s Project Management Degree Apprenticeship, where she’s now completing her Project Management BSc at York St John University. Since joining E.ON, Lucia has experienced a wide variety of placements, most recently moving into her new role in Site Management after supporting the Contractor Relationship Liaison team in EIS.

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, a conversation, a classroom, or a moment of inspiration, and through stories like Lucia’s, we hope to encourage more young women to explore STEM and energy careers.

Because every bright future starts with a lightbulb moment.

A different route to success

“I knew I didn’t want to go to university full time, so I started looking into degree apprenticeships in my local area,” says Lucia. “When I saw that E.ON offered one in the business field, I applied straight away. I was drawn to E.ON because of their strong position in the decarbonising energy industry — it felt like an organisation that was both forward-thinking and meaningful.”

Lucia’s decision paid off. Over the course of her apprenticeship, she’s rotated through several placements across E.ON — from Business Improvement and Diversity & Inclusion, where she supported Notts Pride, to Engineering Technical Safety, where she earned her NEBOSH Health and Safety qualification. She’s also worked on major projects in CHP Engineering and Heat Networks, helping to manage tenders and support contractor relationships.

“I really enjoy moving around every six months,” Lucia says. “It gives me the chance to explore different areas of the business and figure out where my skills fit best. I’ve learned so much from every team I’ve joined.”

Learning from every challenge

Like many apprentices, Lucia’s biggest challenge has been managing her studies alongside her work placements. “Being a degree apprentice can be full-on,” she admits. “Balancing studying with working full time takes discipline, but E.ON is really supportive. We get 20% of our time protected for study, which makes a big difference.”

She’s also learned some powerful lessons about teamwork and self-awareness. “One of the key things I’ve learned is that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength. People want to help, and as a team we’re only as strong as our weakest member. You’re better at your job when you accept help and share knowledge.”

Empowering women in the energy industry

Working in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry hasn’t held Lucia back. “At times, I’ve been the only woman in the room,” she says, “but I’ve only ever experienced positive environments. Many of our senior leaders actively empower women in the industry and I have found that they hold space for us and make sure we feel welcome and valued.”

Her family has been on their own journey of discovery alongside her. “At first, my parents wanted me to take a more ‘typical’ education route because they didn’t know much about apprenticeships. But after seeing how rewarding it’s been for me, they’ve become apprenticeship promoters themselves — always telling friends and family about the benefits!”

Building a career that makes a difference

For Lucia, working for a company with a strong commitment to sustainability has made her journey even more rewarding. “Having a ‘green job’ is really important to me,” she says. “E.ON’s focus on sustainability reassures me that my career choices align with my values. It’s fulfilling to know that the work I’m doing contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Her advice to anyone considering a degree apprenticeship, especially young women, is to find an employer that shares your purpose. “Focus on applying to companies that reflect your morals and values. And look for somewhere that gives you the chance to apply what you’re learning in real life as that’s where you’ll really grow.”

Every bright future starts with a lightbulb moment

Lucia’s journey is a reminder that there’s no single path to success, and that every career in green energy begins with a moment of inspiration. Whether it’s a love of leadership, curiosity about sustainability, or a drive to make a difference, there is a whole world for you out there.

If Lucia’s story has inspired your own lightbulb moment, discover more about our Degree Apprenticeships and Early Careers opportunities here.

Because every bright future, and every green career, starts with a lightbulb moment.