A sense of belonging

An active IET member, volunteer and STEM ambassador, Tracy Scott helps to inspire the next generation and encourages an early interest in engineering and technology.

Like so many of her fellow engineers, as a child, Tracy maintained a very strong interest in all things mechanical and electrical.

She chose sciences and technology at secondary school and felt that an engineering degree would be the logical next step. A four-year BEng degree in electromechanical power engineering at Loughborough University marked the start of Tracy’s engineering journey.

Tracy joined renewable energy expert RES after graduating, where she still works today. RES is active in a broad range of renewables, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution.

In 2022, Tracy started the company’s new Green Hydrogen business venture in the form of a joint project partnership with Octopus Energy Generation called HYRO. “I lead a team that develops electrolytic green hydrogen projects in the UK,” she says. “This involves arranging the grid connection, land security, planning consent, electricity and water supply, hydrogen off taker and the detailed design for construction.”

Tracy currently holds three different volunteer roles within the IET. As a professional registration adviser, she provides advice and guidance to applicants who are seeking professional registration on the Engineering Council’s Register of Engineers and Technicians through the IET.

She also finds being a volunteer STEM ambassador exciting and inspiring. She loves guiding young people through STEM activities and challenges in local schools, encouraging an early interest in engineering and technology.

As part of her varied role, Tracy has also previously chaired and presented at a number of IET electrotechnical competence programme webinars, sat on the IET Diamond Review Panel and applied her knowledge and experience to mentor early career engineers.

Another key milestone was becoming an IET fellow in 2011 at the age of 34. “Being so active in the IET, it seemed like the natural next step. Also, as a woman engineer there was a certain drive to prove that I was as good as my male peers. Throughout my career, I believe that I’ve really made a difference in the renewable energy area – and in the UK’s journey to net zero.”

Tracy considers it an honour to be part of the IET and she is very proud to be a fellow. “Being a member of such a prestigious institution has given me a real sense of belonging to the whole industry. RES is a corporate partner, and I lead the partnership from the RES side. I believe it’s motivational for younger engineers, technicians and electricians to see the benefits that IET membership can offer and where their careers might lead to.”

Tracy has always loved learning and developing: “Continuous professional development is for life, not just for the journey to professional registration. For me, every day is a school day. I love going to work and learning something I didn’t know about yesterday. “That’s what being a member and fellow is all about and I would encourage everyone to read, listen, join in, ask questions and take part.”