Plans to reinforce the electricity network across East Anglia form a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, designed to accelerate the shift to cleaner energy while creating lasting benefits for local communities.

National Grid is progressing three major schemes in the region — Sea Link, Norwich to Tilbury, and Bramford to Twinstead — to strengthen the grid so it can move more homegrown, low‑carbon power as electricity demand in East Anglia and nationwide is expected to double in the coming years.

For community benefit advisor Gemma Feltham, the programme is as much about people as it is about pylons and cables. In her role, she helps shape how National Grid supports those living near its projects.

"I never expected to work in infrastructure and construction, but once I did, I realised how rewarding it could be," she said.

"Before joining National Grid, I worked in equality, diversity and inclusion for six years, and before that in publishing and events. It's been a varied career, but I wanted to do something different and more meaningful.

"It's a role that allows me to connect with people, understand their needs, and help deliver meaningful engagement."

Gemma is helping to steer National Grid's community engagement, from school workshops to skills fairs and local partnerships. A standout this year was the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair at Suffolk New College in Ipswich on 3 November, which brought together over 50 organisations and welcomed more than 3,000 students aged 14 to 24. "Our presence at the fair was part of a wider commitment to inspire the next generation of energy professionals," Gemma said. "We sponsored the Energy Zone, which allowed us to talk about the energy transition and the exciting career pathways available at National Grid."

-- Advertisement --

The stand offered interactive activities, including a VR headset experience that let students virtually climb a National Grid pylon. "It was designed to spark curiosity and give a realistic glimpse into life in the field," Gemma explained. "It worked really well. Many students were genuinely engaged and asked thoughtful questions about what we do," she said.

Across the day, the team spoke to hundreds of students, teachers and visitors, answering questions and sharing insights. Volunteers from the Bramford to Twinstead project added first‑hand perspectives on why The Great Grid Upgrade is needed and the variety of roles across the company. "Some students even recognised our team from previous school workshops," Gemma recalled. "That kind of continuity matters – it shows we're building real relationships."

Reflecting on the response, Gemma added: "If we keep attending these events, then by the time students are thinking seriously about their careers, National Grid might just be first on their radar."

The Suffolk fair is one of several engagements the company has supported this year. National Grid returned to both the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair and the Festival of Knowledge, with Gemma helping to plan and deliver the activity. "We're starting to really strengthen our engagement with schools," she said.

"It's not just about raising awareness of the energy transition but showing there's a role for everyone – not just engineers. We need planners, communicators, analysts, and more."

At the Festival of Knowledge — a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce event delivered with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) — the focus again was on inspiring future energy leaders. Across these two events alone, the team engaged with more than 7,000 students and visitors, including college staff and older attendees exploring apprenticeships and graduate schemes. "For some students, this wasn't the first time they'd heard about National Grid," Gemma said. "That's why we keep going, to build familiarity and trust over time, making sure people know what opportunities are out there."

As National Grid invests in regional engagement and skills development, Gemma's role remains central to ensuring communities feel informed, involved and inspired. "I didn't know much about infrastructure before I joined," she added. "But now I see how important it is, not just for energy security, but for the people living near our projects. We're here to make a difference."

With initiatives such as the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair and the Festival of Knowledge, Gemma and her colleagues are helping to build a workforce ready for tomorrow's challenges — and showing that meaningful careers can begin with a step into something new.