Imogen from Durham joined as a founding member of the Young Innovators Council (YIC) in 2021, and was on it for just the one year because she started her degree at Durham University! Here she talks about what the YIC meant for her, and how she has since gone on to join Northern Gas Networks’ Citizens Panel.
“I heard about the very first year of the Young Innovators Council through an email of opportunities that was circulated by my sixth form. I saw being part of the YIC as an invaluable opportunity to be involved in such a large organisation at a young age. As I participated during sixth form, it was a chance to meet professionals and aid the decision of pursuing Engineering at university.
I wanted to continue working with Northern Gas Networks and the Citizens Panel was a natural progression, where my opinions would continue to help shape agendas, especially as a young citizen. I also thought it would be interesting to see the difference between the young and adult panel, and see if there was a difference in objectives within the meetings.
My involvement in the YIC helped me when applying to join NGN’s Citizens Panel because I already knew what to expect in terms of discussions and the format of the meetings and breakout rooms. I also had knowledge of Northern Gas Networks’ agendas and what they wanted to achieve through the meetings.
Being a member first of the YIC and then of the Citizens Panel, I now understand the workings of a major utility company. Through meeting and listening to professionals both in the discussions and at the Hydrogen Home, I am aware of the different opportunities and range of jobs there are within the field of engineering. As a lot of the work within the YIC was centred around the Hydrogen Home and the need to convert the gas network to hydrogen, it reinforced my desire to study renewable energy as I recognised its importance.
The Young Innovators Council provided a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about the energy industry whilst developing a range of work-based skills. Through this experience, I gained experience in informing and influencing the agenda and decisions of a major utility company and was given valuable insights and helped develop major strategies, on subjects from education and careers to sustainability. I really valued how keen Northern Gas Networks were to hear from young people and took all of our inputs seriously. It was also very rewarding visiting the Hydrogen Home and taking part in the panel with the Decarbonised Gas Alliance as it was evident that all our suggestions and discussions during the YIC had been implemented.
Advice for young people wanting to engage with projects like the YIC? Confidence! At first, I was sceptical about applying as I didn’t know what the panel would entail but it was one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. I would say don’t hold back from putting yourself out there and applying for opportunities such as YIC. Be confident in getting involved in discussions and putting your ideas forward – it is a very fulfilling experience.
Currently, I am in my second year at Durham University studying General Engineering. I intend to continue to a Masters of Engineering, specialising in Renewable Energy. I am currently looking to gain relevant work experience with a specific interest in sustainability and project management. Post graduating, I hope to go into the field of hydrogen development or possibly work within the wind power industry.”