Ørsted’s Lisa Suggett’s resilience, adaptability and passion transitioned her from the Armed Forces to a career in offshore wind. From her time in the military to her innovative projects during COVID-19 lockdowns, she worked hard for her dream role at Ørsted as a wind turbine technician.
Lisa's career began in the Armed Forces, where she was a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer. This provided her with a foundation in technical skills and discipline. However, it was during the COVID-19 lockdown that Lisa's interest in renewable energy started. Furloughed from her managerial role in London, she purchased a canal boat and taught herself to install solar panels, both on her boat and for others, unveiling her passion for the renewables sector.
Inspired by a YouTube video about Ørsted's offshore operations, Lisa became determined to achieve her dream role out in the sea, working on the turbines. Lisa went to LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. This networking led her to Coleen Forde, Head of Competency Management at Ørsted, who was looking for women for a programme called ‘Women in Wind’. Lisa's military background, coupled with her self-taught renewable energy skills, made her a strong candidate, and she successfully completed the programme which included six weeks of offshore qualifications (including GWO training), help with CV writing and interview prep.
Lisa Suggett, wind turbine technician at Ørsted, said: “I love setting goals and then putting the work in to achieve them, even with knockbacks and hurdles. This is not just in my work life, but my personal too, whether it’s fitness training and running up mountains to learning a new skill in the house, I think it’s so important to keep getting back up and moving forward. I love working for Ørsted, and getting to work out in the boats in the sea really is a dream of mine. There’s nothing quite like standing at the top of a turbine on a sunny day.”
Lisa's journey was not without challenges. She faced impostor syndrome in navigating a male-dominated industry. However, her perseverance and the support of mentors like Coleen Forde, and Emma Ford, Head of Generation UK West at Ørsted, helped her secure a position at Ørsted. Lisa's story is one of breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for women in offshore wind.
Emma Ford said: “Lisa's journey is a great example of the incredible potential and talent women bring to the offshore wind industry. She has worked hard and used her transferrable skills to pass her qualifications to become a full-time wind turbine technician. I am excited to see where her career goes from here. At Ørsted, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead. We encourage more women to join us in shaping a sustainable future."
Lisa is now part of an internal affinity group at Ørsted called ‘Women in the West.’ The group aims to create a network of women who all work together in the region, regardless of their role. The objective of the group is to foster a sense of community and collaboration amongst the employees, who will feel psychologically safe to support and mentor their peers within the network. An initiative set up by Emma Ford as she came into the role in 2024.
Lisa Suggett's journey from the Armed Forces to offshore wind is a powerful narrative of transformation and empowerment. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, networking, and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Lisa's achievements are an inspiration to others who are considering a career in renewable energy, proving that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and work your dream job.