Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy. Ruth Wilson, In-House TA Recruiter at Veolia Water Technologies
Ruth Wilson’s Journey in Recruitment and Advocacy
As part of Spencer Ogden’s Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy campaign, we continue to spotlight inspiring women in the energy sector. Through their stories, we celebrate their achievements, challenges, and contributions to the industry while inspiring future generations. In this edition, Scarlett Menzies, Business Manager at Spencer Ogden shares Ruth Wilson's journey, an In-House TA Recruiter at Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions. With a dynamic career spanning recruitment, education, and advocacy, Ruth is making a tangible impact in the sector.
A Non-Traditional Path into Energy: Ruth's Journey
Ruth’s journey into the energy sector wasn’t conventional. After graduating from Essex University with a BA Hons in American Studies, she was uncertain about her career path and fell into recruitment. Since 2008, she has worked extensively in the engineering sector, recruiting globally both as an agency and in-house recruiter. However, her career took a temporary shift in 2017 when she returned to university to earn her PGCE and later pursued a Master’s in Special Educational Needs while on maternity leave. Though she initially aimed to transition into a specialist teaching role, she found herself drawn back to recruitment, applying her newfound knowledge in an engineering and recruitment capacity.
Navigating Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes
When Ruth first entered the sector, women were scarce, particularly in technical roles. Her early experiences highlighted a lack of inclusivity - she recalls visiting a site and having to wear male overalls as that was all that was available, with thoughts of inclusion and gender diversity rare. Beyond the physical barriers, she also faced scepticism regarding her understanding of engineering. “Many hiring managers didn’t think I knew the difference between a piping and mechanical engineer,” she shares. “It was hard to gain credibility as an external recruiter.” Fortunately, a mentor in the industry guided her, teaching her the nuances of engineering disciplines. However, societal expectations persisted, with unsolicited advice such as being told to "dress to impress."
Finding Purpose in a Dynamic Field
Despite the challenges, Ruth finds immense fulfilment in her role. “No day is the same,” she says. “We work with people, and people are ever-changing.” Working for companies that are committed to sustainability and climate action has deepened her passion. At Veolia, she is particularly proud of their mission to fight climate change and develop clean energy solutions. “As a parent, this vision really hits home. Our children are the future,” she emphasises.
Proudest Achievements: Empowering Women & Overcoming Barriers
Ruth takes pride in being a role model for young women. “I feel I empower others by simply being approachable, real, and matter-of-fact,” she says. Her personal achievements include completing a Master’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic while on maternity leave and caring for four children. “If that doesn’t show project management skills, I don’t know what does!”
However, her journey has not been without challenges. She has faced stigma due to assumptions about her availability as a parent and was even excluded from promotions and opportunities to travel. “I’ve missed out because decisions were made for me, without my input,” she explains. Then a year ago, redundancy reminded her of the biases still present in the industry when being skipped over for opportunities due to being seen as "too senior".
Driving Change: Increasing Female Representation in Energy
Ruth believes that change must begin in schools by empowering young girls and providing them with female role models in the sector. However, companies also need to take action. “How can businesses claim to prioritise diversity when senior leadership teams are still 80% male-dominated?” she asks. She also advocates for mid-career transition programs to help women enter the sector at later stages in life. “I’d love to see initiatives that support career changes - I might even consider a third career switch myself!”
Words of Advice for Professionals Entering the Sector
For those considering a career in energy, Ruth’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Do not be afraid. Use your voice.” She encourages those new to the sector to challenge outdated perceptions of engineering and find mentors who can help guide their careers. “Network, be open-minded, and always maintain a work-life balance.”
Industry Innovations That Excite
As a proud Northerner from Hartlepool, Ruth is particularly excited about the Net Zero project happening in Teesside. She is eager to see how regional initiatives contribute to the broader sustainability goals of the UK.
Championing Gender Equity at Veolia
Ruth is deeply involved in driving gender diversity within her company. As the Membership Champion for Veolia’s Gender Equity ERG group in the EMEA region, she focuses on growing the group and ensuring it is an equitable space for all employees. “It’s rewarding to be part of something bigger, pushing for real change,” she says.
Accelerating Action for Women in Energy
Reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, Ruth sees the need to "buckle up the seat belt and ensure you are strapped in because real change is needed and we need to get there faster and quicker than ever before" to achieve gender equity. Along with the need to challenge gender roles "As women we are normally the main caregiver and our career tends to stagnate when we have children. But why should it?" Within Veolia’s steering committee, she has helped organise events such as external speaker sessions, menopause workshops, and even a self-defence class to support women in the workplace.
Closing Thoughts: Celebrating Women in Energy
Though Ruth herself is not an engineer, she takes pride in recruiting professionals who drive change in the sector. “I am so flattered to be nominated and so many worthy women deserve the recognition. I am proud of all of us women. Let us continue to be change makers and let us 'accelerate action' in this sector!"
Through her advocacy, leadership, and passion for inclusion, Ruth Wilson is shaping the future of energy recruitment. As we continue this series, we look forward to sharing more stories of remarkable women who are driving progress in the energy sector.
Celebrate With Us:
To learn more about our Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy series or to nominate an inspiring individual in the industry for our ongoing Career Conversations: Powering A Sustainable Future series view our intro piece here.
