Supporting International Women's Day
Women make up around 40% of our team and we are proud to support International Women’s Day (IWD).
The theme for IWD 2024 is Inspire Inclusion:
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.” internationalwomensday.com
Meet just a few of the talented women at Kellas, each with their own unique and inspiring career story:
Laura Jack, Process Engineer
“I gained an MEng degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde in 2013 and completed two work placements in pharmaceutical operations as part of my studies. After graduating, I joined Wood in Aberdeen as a Process Engineer focusing on engineering design where I was part of multiple concept and front end engineering design (FEED) studies as well as detailed design projects. In 2017 I moved back into an operations role at the CATS (Central Area Transmission System) terminal on Teesside, which is owned by Kellas and operated by Wood. My role was a site process engineer supporting plant operations and process safety as part of the technical team. I gained lots of experience in project management, initially on smaller projects and managing maintenance activities, then moving into energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects for the site, such as heat recovery and fuel switching. Through this role I also supported the Kellas H2NorthEast low carbon hydrogen project in its early stages, which eventually led to me joining the project delivery team in 2023.”
How does Kellas inspire and empower you?
There is no shortage of women working within the Kellas organisation who are thriving and doing amazing things and that inspires me. It shows me that there is a real commitment to inclusion across the business and I certainly feel that from everyone I work with at Kellas.
What advice would you give women looking to start or switch to a career in energy?
Have a think about what you want from your career, make a plan and check in with it as you progress. Having a good manager who supports your continued development is a key part of this. Most importantly, don’t listen to the ‘Imposter Syndrome’ feeling if it shows up!
Aileen Foulkes, Commercial Director
“My energy career began straight from university after I graduated from Strathclyde with a BSc in Applied Chemistry in 1988. My course was a hybrid of chemistry and chemical engineering, and I joined Exxon’s Fife ethylene plant for three years as a Process Engineer. I then moved to Aberdeen and spent a year with a process engineering consultancy followed by five years at Elf (now Total) in a commercial engineering role. This was a turning point for me, working on the commercial side, and I really enjoyed managing the commercial relationships with the owners and users of the Flotta oil terminal and being part of the Elgin Franklin development project. From 1997-2000 I worked in a commercial role for another major energy company before moving to bp for 12 years as part of its gas team managing gas sales and commercial relationships with assets, including CATS. I continued looking after CATS for another two years at BG before their non-operated interest was acquired by Antin in 2014. I assisted with the sale of the asset and moved across to Antin working with outsourced accounting, legal and technical services to manage their interest in CATS. Antin then acquired bp’s operated interest in CATS operatorship, creating CATS Management Limited, now Kellas Midstream, and I am proud to say I was Kellas’ very first employee! Since 2015 I have been Commercial Director at Kellas.”
How does Kellas inspire and empower you?
In my role at Kellas, I definitely feel able to influence decisions and make a difference to the business and we’re a small enough company that you can have a voice. Kellas is passionate about diversifying into new areas to support the UK’s net zero targets, like low carbon hydrogen production, and that constant evolution inspires me to challenge myself and continue to develop professionally.
What advice would you give women looking to start or switch to a career in energy?
Don’t limit yourself or be put off by what your perception of the energy industry might be. There is a huge range of opportunities across many different role types, whether you’re interested in site-based engineering or an office environment, and it’s an exciting time to be part of the industry on its journey towards net zero.
Andrea Duncan, Administrator/Receptionist
“Leaving school in 2001, I fell into a role within fashion retail. I loved how no two days were the same, and meeting new people every day was my driving force to succeed. I have always been passionate about fashion and set myself a high standard of customer service which developed my skills and continuous improvement ethos. In 2003, I achieved 3 NVQs in Retail Management, Retail Skills and Visual Merchandising. Throughout my 22-year career in retail, I worked in various roles, starting out as a Sales Assistant in Aberdeen and ultimately progressing to a Cluster Manager travelling around Scotland with responsibility for eight stores. I then found myself ready for a new challenge, and personally, I was keen to find a role that offered a work/life balance more suited to my growing family. I joined Kellas in 2023 and am really enjoying how my role is a great fit with the skills and experience I gained in retail working with people, being super organised and being part of a dynamic and engaging working environment.”
How does Kellas inspire and empower you?
I have the full support of my manager and the wider team as well as the autonomy to be responsible for my own workload which is always varied and interesting. I learn every day and it’s great to receive positive feedback upon completing a project or piece of work.
What advice would you give women looking to start or switch to a career in energy?
Don’t be afraid to take a risk with a career change or learning something new. I have no regrets about leaving retail to start afresh in energy and am loving this new chapter in my career.
Nicola Mitchell, Paralegal
“After leaving school I worked as a legal secretary in Aberdeen for 13 years in private practice, followed by two years in the energy sector when I completed a Company Secretary course. I then relocated with my husband to Glasgow for a couple of years working as a Paralegal and achieved diplomas in residential and commercial conveyancing. After returning to Aberdeen, I worked in private practice as a Paralegal before my career journey brought me back into energy as a Paralegal and Trainee Contracts Engineer where I learned so much as part of a large legal team and completed a postgraduate certificate in oil and gas contract law. After taking a few years out to raise my two sons, in 2015 I had the opportunity to provide part-time transition support through Radico Energy to the CATS transition team for around 10 months. In 2017, I joined CATS Management Limited (now Kellas) in my current role as part-time Paralegal and ever since then the company has been fantastic in supporting my further learning. From 2018-2020 I completed an online Paralegal Diploma in Company Law through the University of Strathclyde, and just this year I have completed an upskilling course in Commercial Contracting through Robert Gordons University in Aberdeen.”
How does Kellas inspire and empower you?
I feel like there are no boundaries at Kellas when it comes to career development. From day one my career has progressed in leaps and bounds and the company is also brilliant at helping us understand others’ roles through lunch and learns so we can all work together better.
What advice would you give women looking to start or switch to a career in energy?
Again, it comes back to there being no boundaries and I’d say if you have a career goal, just go for it. For me, I believe the energy sector has given me so many more opportunities than I would have had staying in private practice.