Jessica Alce on International Women in Engineering Day

The world of engineering has long been synonymous with the likes of Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison and, more recently, Elon Musk. However, Jess Alce is proving that women belong in the heart of this dynamic sector after playing a major role in the creation of the world’s first carbon neutral wastewater treatment works.

When she was 16 years old, Jessica Alce, like many teenagers, chose her A Levels – picking her top three subjects which for years had brought her happiness and praise in equal measures.

However, when teachers urged her to switch from maths, chemistry and physics to a more ‘suitable’ career path of media studies and social science, she was forced to move schools in order to pursue her dreams.

“I guess those subjects were seen as more suitable for girls,” said Jessica. “I was in the top classes and would skip lunch breaks to do more work or mark other kids’ work with my teacher. However, it seemed many believed STEM subjects were just for boys.”

Undeterred, Jessica moved to a different school and completed her A Levels before gaining a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. She is now Business Lead in Innovation at Severn Trent and has been instrumental in one of the biggest projects undertaken by the Midlands-based water company.

However, as a young woman from an ethnic minority, Jessica faced obstacles and the occasional ‘unsupportive’ comment about her chosen career path, and she believes more needs to be done to help young girls with an interest in science pursue their dreams.

As part of International Women in Engineering Day, Jessica is calling for a shift in the mindset of educators, parents and even young girls, who still believe that STEM subjects are just for boys.

“It is hugely important that these old-fashioned views are tackled,” she added. “By encouraging STEM from a young age and changing the way we think and act, we can give young girls the confidence to go after what they want and not be held back by stereotypes.

“Even when I got into university and would tell people that I was studying chemical engineering, I would always hear a hint of surprise in their response. This wouldn’t happen to a man. They would say ‘you don’t look like an engineer’, so my response was always ‘what does an engineer look like?

“There is an unconscious bias, even if not malicious, and these types of comments can have a negative impact on some women and even put them off their chosen career.”

In 2016, Jess joined Severn Trent as a graduate engineer where she was able to showcase her expertise across a number of high-profile projects which fit well with her studies.

“I specialised in renewable energy while at university, and I wanted to be involved in something that would make a change in a more sustainable way. I also wanted to work in an industry that helps provide a service, so I targeted the utility sector.

“What really made Severn Trent stand out for me was its environmental commitments. When I joined the graduate scheme, the company had committed to self-supply over 50 per cent of its energy, which was a massive driver for me to apply.”

And?during her time at Severn Trent, Jess has been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a supportive team and managers, including a number of highly intelligent women. She was encouraged and empowered in her role – being given responsibility for one of the most innovative projects in Severn Trent’s history.

Last month, the water company announced plans to create a ‘net zero hub’ in Staffordshire, which for the first time will integrate the most promising technologies on one site to reduce and remove carbon – eradicating 34,000 tonnes of carbon per year, which is equivalent to a person flying return between London and New York, 34,500 times.

This ground-breaking project will transform a large carbon intensive wastewater treatment plan into the world’s first retrofit carbon neutral site, helping support Severn Trent’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, while creating a ‘blueprint’ for all water companies to help them achieve their net zero commitments.

“I have been instrumental in the architecture of the solutions that we have been implementing. I have worked hand in hand with our partners throughout the feasibility, whether that be understanding the carbon reporting, emissions on site and engagement with suppliers or internal stakeholders.

“I am now providing guidance and assurance to those in my direct team as they step into the detail of the design of the hub and providing support and mentoring to those I have involved in the project.

“This has been an incredibly exciting time, not just for me, but the entire business. I am so proud to be a part of such an important piece of work. In the last five years, since finishing the graduate scheme at Severn Trent, I have been able to experience so many different, exciting and innovative projects.

“But one of the biggest highlights for me was my time in Severn Trent Green Power, where I worked hand in hand with the male site operators, who made me feel accepted as a female engineer. At first, I worried that I wouldn’t be accepted in that environment, but everyone was incredible and really supportive.

“Now, in my new role as Business Lead in Innovation, I am actively recruiting and I’m seeing a lot more women applying, which is fantastic. I hope that I can be instrumental in helping other women progress in an engineering career, as it’s one of the greatest jobs you could ever have.”