Charging Ahead: The Skills Driving the Great Grid Upgrade

In this episode of WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast, host Lucy Siegle is joined by Malcolm Lewis, Cost & Commercial Director for the Great Grid Upgrade at National Grid, and Kirsten Oliver, Managing Director for Energy at WSP, to discuss the people powering the UK’s largest electricity grid overhaul in generations. Together, they explore the scale and urgency of the Great Grid Upgrade, a nationwide programme designed to connect new sources of clean energy, such as wind and solar, to homes and businesses across the country. 

 

The conversation highlights the critical need to train, attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce to deliver this ambitious energy transition, emphasising that the future of the sector depends on a wide range of skills, from engineering and digital expertise to project management and environmental planning.

The guests stress the importance of making careers in energy infrastructure accessible to people from all backgrounds, not just those with traditional degrees and discuss how collaboration between industry, government and education is essential for building a future-ready workforce. 

Ultimately, the episode is a call to action for curiosity, inclusivity and collective effort, showing how flexible career pathways and a focus on people are key to powering the UK’s clean energy future.

What is WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast?

The WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast series explores the ideas, innovations, and voices shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready world. In each episode, environmental journalist and presenter Lucy Siegle is joined by WSP experts and industry leaders to unpack the big topics driving change — from climate resilience and net zero to digital transformation, smart cities, and beyond. Together, we tackle the challenges facing sectors like energy, infrastructure, and water, and explore the practical steps being taken to deliver long-term social and environmental value. Whether you’re a policymaker, engineer, innovator or just passionate about creating a better future, WSP’s Positive Impact podcast brings you the insight and ideas shaping the world ahead.WSP’s Positive Impact Podcast: Future-ready solutions for a better tomorrow. Disclaimer: The WSP’s Positive Impact podcast series is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for independent, tailored professional advice. No reliance may be placed on the content of the podcasts and listeners will need to seek independent professional advice tailored to their specific needs. The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the podcasts are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, nor WSP and its affiliates. Insofar as the content of the podcasts was created by WSP, WSP retains all intellectual property rights and asserts all moral rights in relation to the podcasts and their content (including enclosures and attachments). Unless WSP has provided express prior written consent, no part of the podcasts may be used, published, reproduced, distributed, or communicated by or to any third party. WSP accepts no liability in respect of the content of the podcasts nor as to its suitability for any specific use (including by any third party).